Anbu Cheziyan, the top film financier in Kollywood, I.T. raids, searched 40 locations.
Anbu Chezhiyan has been searched by Income Tax officials three times, and a few renowned film makers have also been targeted.
In the early hours of Tuesday, August 2, the Income Tax Department conducted raids throughout the state as part of a broad campaign against Kollywood's top financiers. Over 40 locations in Madurai and 10 locations in Chennai were searched by the I-T Department. Raids were conducted at locations connected to Kollywood financier GN Anbu Chezhiyan, including his home and the Chennai and Madurai headquarters of Gopapuram Cinema. Anbuchezhiyan was raided by Income Tax officials for the third time this year, and a few renowned movie producers were also targeted.
Officials from the Income Tax Department are conducting raids at his home and offices in Chennai and Madurai. At least 10 locations in Chennai are the subject of raids, and about 40 locations are being inspected. According to sources in the income tax department, several of the industry's major producers are also being investigated, and raids are being conducted at their Chennai headquarters as well. In Madurai and Chennai, searches started at around 7 a.m., and police have been stationed there.
Following the release of the actor Vijay starrer Bigil, I-T officials conducted a raid at Anbu Chezhiya's Chennai home earlier in February 2020. According to reports, the authorities removed up to Rs 65 crore in cash. Producer Kalapathi Agoram and actor Vijay were investigated for it.
Anbu Chezhiyan, who has backed several high-grossing movies, is also allegedly accused of loan shark behavior, according to industry sources. He was charged in November 2017 with aiding the death of producer Ashok Kumar, who allegedly committed suicide after being harassed by Anbuchezhiyan over debts.
The insider previously revealed how financial transactions with Anbu Chezhiyan have put Tamil cinema producers and directors in hot water. The Income Tax division has concentrated its efforts on producers who took out loans from Anbu Cheziyan. The IRS sent warnings to top producers requesting an explanation for the money they borrowed from Anbu Cheziyan.
