Chennai, Dec 9 (UNI) Officials of the Income Tax Department on Wednesday raided the business, residential and other premises of the Chettinad Group of Companies following complaints of massive tax evasion.

IT department sources said the raids, which began in the

morning, were on in more than 50 locations in Chennai and

other States.

The raids were being held at the business and residential

premises of Group chairman MAMR Muthiah and their

family members and the properties owned by them.

The sources since the more than 100-year-old Group, with

Chennai as its headquarters, has been into several business

entities, the raids were likely to go on for at least two to three

days.

The Group was involved in various businesses including

construction, cement, power, steel fabrication, healthcare,

coal terminal, transportation among others.

UNI GV 1207