Income Tax officials today conducted raids in over 40 places in Tamil Nadu. The raids targeted a former minister, a prominent jeweller and the city Mayor’s son. However officials stated that the exercise was for a routine survey.

According to sources, sleuths of Income Tax department conducted the raids in Dindigul, Madurai and Tiruchi. Those who came under the scanner include former Minister Natham Viswanathan. The search took place at his residence near Ekkatuthangal in the city too.

However, the IT team could not get the required evidence. It is said that the officials were looking for evidence that could establish links with economic offences. The ‘survey’ was conducted on persons who were on the IT list for a while, it is learnt.

City Mayor Saidai Duraisamy’s son Vetri’s house in Sembakkam, which is off the city limits too, was searched by the IT officers.

Jewellery retail outlet Kirtilals was also part of the mass raids, with searches at its offices, shops and its owner’s residence. Popular for its diamond collection, Kirtilals has branches in Madurai, Kochi, Bengaluru, Vishakapatnam, Vijayawada and Hyderabad. The raids are expected to continue for the rest of the day.

Sources said, the raids were not based on a tip off. It is said that the owner of Kirtilals had co-operated with the search team, and had listed all the necessary documents.