Chennai: Wednesday morning saw IT sleuths swoop down in Tamil Nadu’s largest and the most popular beedi manufacturing company – Syed Beedi Company and its main office at Tirunelveli – to unearth details and proof relating to massive tax evasion.

According to sources, some 40 locations, were under the IT radar in three cities of Chennai, Madurai and Tirunelveli. The raids began at 7 a.m. and are expected to be carried out through the day.

The IT raids are being seen as a follow up of allegations of tax evasion, reports of which reached the IT department.

A detailed press release may be issued at the end of the raid, sources said, as to the recoveries

Some 40 locations are being raided in Chennai, Madurai and Tirunelveli.

The raids come in the backdrop of serious allegations of a massive fraud and kickbacks in sale of gutkas, under which huge payments were made to the top police officials and politicians of the ruling party.

IT department had sent its report to the TN government for action. However, no action has yet been taken, sources said.

Opposition PMK and DMK lashed out at the government and have demanded the dismissal of state health minister and a probe into the whole affair by the CBI or a judicial probe.