Former manager of actor Gautami arrested again in property fraud case

Chennai: Azhagappan (64), the former manager of actor Gautami, has been arrested once again by the Kancheepuram police in connection with a new case of property looting in Sriperumbudur. 

This arrest follows his previous apprehension by Chennai police last December for extorting properties worth Rs 25 crore belonging to actor Gautami and her brother, Srikanth. Azhagappan, who had fled to Kerala was arrested by the police and was later released on bail.

19 years ago, while undergoing breast cancer treatment, Gautami had granted Azhagappan power of attorney to manage her properties. However,he allegedly exploited this power by selling various lands owned by the actor and her brother. The proceeds from these sales were used to purchase land in the names of Azhagappan’s family members. Additionally, he had also committed financial fraud in several land deals.

Following Gautami’s complaint, the Chennai police arrested six individuals, including Azhagappan and his wife, from Kerala last year. The accused had fled to Kunnamkulam, they were released on bail after getting caught. 

In response, Gautami filed complaints in Kancheepuram, Thiruvannamalai, and Ramanathapuram, where they had lost their land.

A few days ago, Azhagappan was arrested from his residence in Velachery in connection with a case registered by the Kancheepuram Crime Branch Police. His accomplice, Balaraman, had previously been arrested in the same case.

The property embezzlement case had reportedly influenced Gautami's departure from the BJP. She has alleged that some BJP leaders assisted Azhagappan in absconding to Kerala. Gautami is a part of Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) now.