QChennai: Jaya TV, Sasikala Aides Raided by I-T; MARG MD Arrested

These are the top news stories from Chennai.

I-T raids conducted at the offices of Sasikala-associated businesses.

(Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

1. IT Raids at Jaya TV, Jazz Cinemas, Other Places Linked to Sasikala

In one of the biggest crackdowns on suspected shell companies and tax evasion, simultaneous searches were carried out on Thursday at over 187 locations across the country on companies and private properties linked to VK Sasikala, jailed former aide of late AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa.(Photo Courtesy: IANS)

Income Tax officials raided about 10 establishments belonging to businesses owned by members of the Sasikala family early on 9 November, according to multiple reports. Initial reports suggested that raids are on in about 20 office premises of Jaya TV, Jazz Cinemas and Namadhu MGR, among other offices and residences. Apart from Jaya TV office, they have also raided Poes Garden, the Kodanadu estate, and the residences of some of TTV’s relatives, said Pravhakaran, Editor of Jaya TV.

The raids began at 6:30 in the morning. At least 8 officials were seen entering the Jaya TV office, according to reports. Speaking to the media, TTV Dhinakaran alleged that raids did not happen at this residence, but at his farmhouse. The company is also accused of making big investments after demonetisation and investing in properties owned by proxy.

Read the full story here.

2. What Is the Outcome of All Previous I-T Searches in TN, Asks Stalin

DMK working president MK Stalin(Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

On a day when income tax officials were conducting searches in Jaya TV office and on the premises of the relatives and supporters of jailed AIADMK leader VK Sasikala, DMK working president MK Satin wanted to know about the outcome of all the previous searches conducted by the I-T department.

"There have been many searches by the I-T department after the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. If it is one or two, we can remember. But there is a big list of searches, including searches in the house of Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar, former power minister Natham R Viswanathan and former chief secretary Rama Mohana Rao. The list goes on. What is the outcome of all these searches," Stalin asked while speaking to reporters at DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam.

(Source: Times Of India)

3. Marg Chief Arrested in Two More Cases

Over 120 complaints received so far against the company, say police.  (Photo Courtesy: TheChennaiAngels)

Marg Group chairman and managing director Gorripati Ramakrishna Reddy was arrested in connection with two more cheating cases by the Central Crime Branch (CCB). Marg is a multi-crore company which has developed residential townships, airports, power utilities, ports and other infrastructure projects across the country.

Ramakrishna Reddy launched New Chennai Township Private Limited in 2006 and the registered office of the company is at Seekanakuppam Village, Cheyyur, Kancheepuram. The total paid-up capital was Rs 120 crore. The company also has secured loans to the tune of Rs 1,344.32 crore, as per the balance sheet prepared for the period ending on 31 March 2016.

Swarnabhoomi is the flagship project of the company. The company was planning to construct 250 flats near Seekanakuppam in nearly 630 acres, which came under the Special Economic Zone. As per the regulations, the flats or houses developed in the land should be allotted to the employees who are working in the SEZ. They should not be sold to outsiders. Several customers who’ve paid the full amount stand cheated today.

(Source: The Hindu)

4. Cinematographer Priyan No More

Cinematographer Priyan(Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia/ Mousyr1)

Noted Tamil cinematographer Priyan died on Thursday after a cardiac arrest at his residence here. He was 53. Priyan started his career as an assistant in the camera unit of actor producer K Balaji and worked with cinematographer-director Balu Mahendra in many films. He also worked with cinematographer-director Rajiv Menon before making his debut as cinematographer in Thotta Chinungi in 1995.

Born as Nagendran in Virudhunagar, he adopted the screen name ‘Priyan’ after Porkalam, which was directed by Cheran in 1997. He worked with popular film-makers for Thenali, Velayudham, Poojai and Arul. Priyan, known for his collaboration with director Hari, has done nearly 13 films with him. Priyan had worked as cinematographer for nearly 30 films. Condolences poured in on social media expressing shock over the sudden demise of the ace cinematographer.

(Source: The Hindu)

5. SRM Cheating Case: 129 Medical Aspirants Get Back Money

Rs 81.58 crore has been given from SRM University Chancellor TR Pachamuthu’s bail deposit . (Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

The Madras High Court-appointed Commissioner, N Paul Vasanthakumar, the former Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir High Court, has disbursed over Rs 81 crore to 129 claimants who reportedly paid money to get seats in medical colleges run by the SRM group.

Last year, the SRM University Chancellor, TR Pachamuthu alias Parivendhar, Vendhar Movies S Madhan and seven others were arrested by the Central Crime Branch following complaints by the parents of medical aspirants who paid money for seats. Subsequently, in order to secure bail, Pachamuthu deposited Rs 90 crore. The Supreme Court had recently ordered the quashing of the criminal case. The deposited amount is being disbursed through Justice Paul Vasanthakumar, (retd) to the claimants.

(Source: The Hindu)

6. Many Areas May Go Without Stormwater Drain Projects

The 2015 Chennai floods exposed the archaic British laid water management systems but two years down the line, the government has done very little to avert such a disaster. (Photo Courtesy: PTI)

The Chennai Corporation may leave some neighbourhoods out of the project to develop stormwater drains, giving priority to a few areas. The civic body is unable to implement the project as funding agencies such as JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) have refused to be involved, claiming that they have focussed on other major projects such as Chennai Metrorail. Corporation officials said they had not received funding for stormwater drains in north Chennai because JICA has spent money on development of Metrorail in north Chennai.

Officials claimed that funding by JICA of Rs 10,000 crore for Metrorail and Rs 3,200 crore for Intelligent Transport System in the city have caused a delay in funding for stormwater drains. The Corporation requires Rs 1,800 crore for developing stormwater drains in Tiruvottiyur, Manali and Madhavaram. Currently, the Corporation has divided the neighbourhoods in Kosasthalaiyar basin into six packages for development of stormwater drains.

(Source: The Hindu)

Also Read: Chennai Rains: Heroes in Uniform Go Beyond The Call of Duty

7. We Will Get 'Two Leaves' Symbol Soon, Says CM

Palaniswami assured that he and Panneerselvam would function as a double-barrel gun and work for the welfare of people.(Photo Courtesy: PTI)

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam on Thursday said that the AIADMK faction headed by them would win the case before the Election Commission of India and get the election symbol of ‘Two Leaves’. Addressing the MGR birth centenary celebrations here, Palaniswami said the symbol would be given to his faction. Panneerselvam, who spoke ahead of him, said persons who obtained political identity and gained name and fame with help of Jayalalithaa and MGR, were trying to destroy the party with the help of outsiders. They would be destroyed soon.

Assailing DMK leader MK Stalin for staging demonstrations and blocking roads during drought as well as rains, the Chief Minister accused the Opposition leader of spreading lies about the governance. He alleged that Stalin’s sole aim was to dislodge the AIADMK government and people were aware of his political designs.

(Source: The Hindu)

Also Read: AIADMK Drama: How the Wait for HC Verdict Could Alter TN Politics