CHENNAI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at six locations linked to film producer C. Alagappan in Chennai and Madurai in connection with a cheating case involving actor-turned-politician Gautami Tadimalla.
The ED took over the investigation last year to probe the money laundering angle based on seven First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by the Tamil Nadu Police. Gautami had also appeared before the ED as part of the investigation.
Simultaneous searches were carried out on Wednesday at Alagappan's office, residences, and other properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe the accused's alleged foreign investments.
The original cases pertain to an alleged fraud of Rs 13.8 crore. Gautami had complained that film producer C. Alagappan, who had been entrusted with the management of her properties, along with his family members, fraudulently transferred her assets into their names.
Based on her complaints, cases were registered against Alagappan at different police stations. Police arrested him in 2023 after his anticipatory bail pleas were rejected.
Gautami quit the BJP in 2023, joined the AIADMK, and was appointed the party's propaganda secretary. She recently distanced herself from the AIADMK and resigned from its primary membership.
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