As part of an ongoing investigation into a 2023 case related to the alleged hindrance faced by Income Tax officials during search operations, a special team from Karur district police visited a residence linked to Ashok Kumar, brother of former Minister V. Senthilbalaji, in Chennai on Saturday.

According to police sources, the team, headed by an Additional Superintendent of Police, went to a house located on Kasturi Avenue in MRC Nagar, Foreshore Estate, based on information that Ashok Kumar had previously resided there. However, upon arriving at the location, officers learned that he was no longer staying at the premises. The team subsequently questioned residents in the neighbourhood before leaving the area.

The investigation follows allegations by Income Tax officials that stems from incidents reported during Income Tax Department raids conducted in May 2023 on the premises associated with Senthil Balaji, Ashok Kumar, and several of their associates in Chennai, Karur, and Coimbatore. Income Tax officials alleged that they faced resistance from a group of individuals and a vehicle of an Income Tax officer was also damaged.

Following a complaint lodged by the Income Tax officer concerned, the Karur Town police registered a case against 50 unidentified persons on charges of obstructing public servants from performing official duties and assaulting government officials.

Further investigation is under way.