On the day before the release of the much anticipated fantasy film Puli, the Income Tax Department had conducted surprise raids at the residence and office of actor Vijay and several other producers of the film, citing inconsistencies in investments.

Searches were also commissioned at the houses of actresses Nayanthara and Samantha. Soon after, rumours were rife hinting at the possibility of the actors having partially evaded payment of tax for the last five years.

Actor Vijay, reacting to these allegations, has gone on record saying that he had never evaded paying taxes during his entire acting career. In a recent press statement, he has said that such surprise raids are common among the film fraternity, and he had always extended his full support to the income tax officials. He has further expressed his disappointment with certain sections of the media, who had reported that he had been evading taxes for quite some time.

With the actor clearing the air saying that there is no truth in any of the rumours. it would be interesting to see how the IT officials react.