When Cheran landed at the Coimbatore airport, he found himself the subject of an income tax interrogation because he was carrying Rs. 15 lakhs cash in his briefcase.

Although he was permitted to board the aircraft from Chennai after a baggage scan, he was detained only at the destination and the officials reasoned that they did not want to interrupt his journey. The actor turned director was, however, freed after the cross-examination that lasted for more than an hour since the authorities found his explanation satisfactory.

Cheran flew to Coimbatore last night from Chennai for his next venture Pokkisham that was scheduled to commence in Gopichettipalayam. Pokkisham is said to be the sequel to his earlier hit, Autograph, and Padmapriya stars alongside Cheran in the movie. Income Tax officials reached the Coimbatore airport much earlier to the arrival of the aircraft and detained Cheran’s belongings after he disembarked. He was later taken to the Income Tax office in Coimbatore. Cheran explained to the officials that he had proper records and showed the documents proving that the money has been withdrawn from his own account.

After finding that Cheran has proper documentation, he was released by the officials. The actor drove down to Gopichettipalayam after this for commencing the shoot schedules. Addressing newspersons, officials belonging to the Income Tax department stated that Cheran extended his full cooperation for the enquiry and had proper records for the money he was carrying. “Since persons who carry huge amount of money are liable to show records, we had to interrogate Cheran,” an official informed the media. Cheran was unavailable for comment.