Kochi/Chennai, Sep 30 (IANS): Searches were conducted at the residences and offices of southern actors Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Nayanthara on Wednesday "following reports that some investment made in 'Puli' is unaccounted for", sources said.

According to sources, a total of 32 places were raided by authorities in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Hyderabad.

The searches were conducted at Nayanthara's home in Kochi as well as her ancestral home in Thiruvalla in central Kerala besides at Chennai.

The houses, offices and other properties of the three leading actors were sarched simultaneously by Income Tax officials. They also raided the houses of the producers of Vijay's forthcoming Tamil film "Puli", which releases on Thursday.

"The raids were conducted following reports that some investment made in 'Puli' is unaccounted for," a source told IANS.

"Puli", a big-budget fantasy drama, is believed to be the most expensive film in the career of superstar Vijay.