I-T department raids premises of Priyanka, Katrina

Mumbai, Jan 24 (PTI) Income Tax department todayraided residences and offices of Bollywood actors Katrina Kaifand Priyanka Chopra for suspected tax evasion on incomeaccruing from advertisements, foreign assignments and guestappearances.

The raids began at 7.30 am and went on till lateevening, an I-T official said, adding the exercise wouldcontinue tomorrow.

"We suspect tax evasion on brand endorsements,offshore assignments and private appearances," the officialsaid.

The raids were conducted at Katrina''s residence on theseventh floor of Guldev Sagar building in suburban Bandra andPriyanka''s apartment on the eighth floor of Raj Classiquebuilding at Yari Road in suburban Versova.

The residence of Priyanka''s father, Ashok Chopra, insuburban Lokhandwala, was also raided besides the premises ofthe actor''s secretary Chand Mishra, the officer said.

In a related development, searches were also conductedon the premises of well-known Bollywood photographer AtulKasbekar and his talent management company Bling.

"We searched Matrix talent management company owned byone Reshma Shetty as its manager Sandhya was also the managerof Katrina. Besides, raids were conducted on Kasbekar''spremises as he formerly owned this company," the officialsaid. (More) PTI VI SVS RSY

The I-T officer said 12 premises were raided. However, he refused to quantify the suspected tax evasion by the twotop Bollywood stars.

"We would be able to ascertain how much tax theyevaded only after the search operation is complete anddocuments are scrutinised.

"After the raids are over, we will compile the detailsand send them to the department''s assessment wing who wouldthen initiate further proceedings," the official said.