A case of cheating filed against Sarathkumar

Trouble has been brewing for the ex-office bearers of the South Indian Artistes' Association, better known as the Nadigar Sangam, ever since its controversial elections in October last year.

Actor-turned-politician R Sarathkumar, who ran unopposed for the president's post for three terms, was ousted by actor Vishal who spearheaded a very successful campaign.

In January this year, the controversial land deal signed by Sarathkumar and Radha Ravi, the association's general secretary, with Sathyam Cinemas to convert the association's existing property into a multiplex-cum-shopping mall was nullified by the new office bearers.

The association has also resolved to take legal action against three former office bearers -- Sarathkumar, Ravi and treasurer Vagai Chandrashekar for not submitting the SIAA accounts for the year 2014-15 and the Nadigar Sangam Charitable Trust accounts for the years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 despite being demitted from the office three months ago.

Matters came to a head last week when the newly elected members of the Nadigar Sangam officially filed a case against the former trustees for misappropriate handling of cash belonging to the Nadigar Sangam Charitable Trust.

On March 3, Poochi Murugan, a senior member representing the SIAA, lodged a complaint with the commissioner of police, alleging that Sarathkumar, Ravi and former treasurer Chandrasekhar were involved in fraudulent acts and misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 1.65 crore.

Countering their claims, Sarathkumar immediately appeared before the commissioner, clarifying that all audited reports were submitted to the present administration. The veteran actor also filed a counter charge stating that the present members were trying to tarnish his reputation as a political leader.

Meanwhile, Sarathkumar's wife, actress Raadhika, took to Twitter to express her displeasure with the new members of the association. 'A trust which has had no income and now a complaint crores of money taken. Interesting. Only accusations and no proof frm the beginning,' she tweeted.