'No illegal money, documents found during IT raids': Tollywood filmmaker Dil Raju breaks silence

Hyderabad: Tollywood filmmaker and Telangana Film Development Corporation Chairman (TFDCC) Dil Raju on Saturday clarified that the IT department officials did not find any illegal money and documents during raids on his house and office on January 21.

The raids were carried out by the IT department officials at eight different locations, including the residences of his relatives, according to sources.

Speaking to media persons, Dil Raju said that the IT department conducted its searches for the first time on his production house in 2008 and thrice the officials verified the account books of his production house- Sri Venkateswara Creations. "IT raids on business people are quite common. After almost 16 years, the IT department once again conducted raids on his house and office," he said, and added that he will meet the IT officials, along with his auditors,on February 3.

Dil Raju said that a section of vernacular media channels had reported that illegal money and documents have been collected from me. The officials found Rs 5 lakh in cash from him, Rs 4.5 lakh from his partner Sirish, Rs 6.5 lakh from his daughter’s house and Rs 2.5 lakh from his office.

"In all, a total of Rs 20 lakh cash was with me and my family members. It's not illegal money and has relevant documents as proof of all that cash. Moreover, my family also possesses gold ornaments as per the limits. For the last few years, we haven't purchased any properties or made any investments,” he said.

Dil Raju said he told the officials about their transactions in 24 crafts and extended all necessary support to the officials as all their accounts are clean.

On false news about his mother’s health condition, Dil Raju said, “On January 19, my 81-year-old mother was admitted to a hospital after she was suffering from a cold and cough due to an infection in her lungs. My mother’s health is a little better, and she will be discharged today.” He also appealed to the vernacular media not to publish the news without knowing the facts.

Reacting to a question about IT raids that happened due to black money, Dil Raju said, "Currently, there is no black money in the film industry. Over 90 per cent of the audience now books their tickets online. So, where does it come from?

On fake collections on movie posters, Dil Raju said that in case there are any anomalies in movie collection figures that should be rectified by the Telugu film industry. The matter would discuss the matter with others in the Telugu film industry and refused to comment on it personally.