Dileep to appear before officials

KOCHI: Officials of the Central Excise Department, on Monday, searched the residences of Sukumar and Jaison, who run film distribution companies and are said to be associated with the actor Dileep. The officials had earlier raided the office and residences of the actor and seized documents.  The officials had earlier maintained that Dileep had allegedly evaded service tax by only accepting a small portion of his remuneration in cash or cheque, with the balance obtained through distribution rights of movies featuring him. The actor was accused of setting up several distribution companies along with his associates. Though the department had summoned the actor to appear before its Assistant Commissioner (Preventive) on Monday, he did not show up. It is learnt that he would appear, with supporting documents to account for the money seized from his premises, on Tuesday.