New Delhi, Mar 21 (IANS): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Thursday clarified that its raid at DMK leader M.K. Stalin's residence was not a targeted one, and it had searched 18 locations for violation of duties on imported cars.

Facing a political storm after a CBI team knocked on Stalin's doors two days after DMK withdrew support to the central government, the CBI in a statement issued here said it has registered a case under various sections of Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act.

The agency, in a statement issued here, said a case has been registered "in connection with a complaint that about 33 vehicles had been imported to Tamil Nadu and, of these, certain vehicles are believed to have been imported and subsequently sold in violation of import provisions, causing loss of up to Rs.48 crore approximately to the exchequer".

The CBI said the case has been registered against an importer and a senior intelligence officer of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) who allegedly did not take any action even after identification of vehicles at the premises of certain users and unknown others.

The agency said that during the searches conducted at 18 locations, 17 imported cars had been located and seized.

"The CBI wishes to clarify that the above operation was strictly in accordance with procedures and there was no intention whatsoever to target any particular individual," the agency said.