Gautami case: ED intesfiies probe, searches C Alagappan-linked premises
“I hope the ED will do its job," says actor-politician who has accused the film producer of cheating her of crores of rupees
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the multi-crore property fraud and cheating case involving businessman C Alagappan and his family members, who are accused of defrauding actress Gautami Tadimalla of assets worth several crore rupees.
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Gautami had resigned from the BJP in October 2023, alleging inadequate support in her pursuit of justice and claiming that some party leaders were backing those who had “cheated” her. She later joined the AIADMK, but recently quit that party as well.
Speaking to The Federal today, she said it's not the right time to discuss the matter in detail. “I hope the ED will do its job. I respect the processes of the court, police, and the ED,” she added.
ED intensifies money trail
Sources said ED teams carried out searches at approximately six locations connected to Alagappan and his relatives in Chennai and Madurai as part of the ongoing probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The action follows multiple complaints and FIRs filed by the actress.
According to Gautami's complaints, she had reposed trust in Alagappan, a builder and former associate for nearly two decades. Around 2004, while she was undergoing cancer treatment and raising her daughter as a single mother, she executed a power of attorney in his favour to manage and sell some of her properties, she said in her complaints.
She has alleged that Alagappan and his wife AL Nachal misused the authority. They allegedly transferred several properties to their own names, added themselves as co-owners in records, and siphoned off funds from her accounts. Reports mention unauthorised transfers of nearly ₹9.9 crore between 2014 and 2020. The total value of the assets allegedly involved has been estimated at between ₹13.8 crore and ₹25 crore in various reports.
When Gautami sought return of the properties and documents, Alagappan and his family allegedly threatened her and her daughter. She has described feeling betrayed by someone she and her daughter had treated as family.
Multiple cases against family
Following her complaints lodged with Chennai police in September 2023, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) registered cases against C Alagappan, his wife, son Siva Alagappan, daughter Arthi Alagappan, son-in-law KM Baskar, driver Sathish Kumar, and others.
Police registered at least two main cases in Chennai, with additional proceedings initiated in Tiruvannamalai and other places involving different properties and transactions. Multiple FIRs and related cases have since been registered against Alagappan and his family members in connection with the cheating allegations.
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In November 2023, the CCB issued a lookout circular against Alagappan and his wife. Police conducted searches at five residences linked to the accused, including locations in Madurai, Sivaganga, and Karaikudi. The accused failed to respond to multiple summonses for documents.
Money laundering angle examined
After the Madras High Court dismissed their anticipatory bail petitions in December 2023, a CCB team arrested five persons – C Alagappan (then 63), his wife (57), son Siva (32), daughter Arthi (28), and driver Sathish (27) –from a hideout in Choondal near Kunnamkulam in Kerala’s Thrissur district. They were brought to Chennai and remanded to judicial custody.
The case has since been taken up by the ED for investigation into the money laundering angle. In July 2025, Gautami appeared before the ED office in Chennai to assist the probe.
The matter remains pending before the Metropolitan Magistrate court in Chennai dealing with cheating cases registered by the CCB.
The Federal sought to reach Alagappan and his business partners for comment, but this was not successful. Sources close to Alagappan, however, said the group would address the issue legally and is currently not in a position to comment.
