Raids at the home and offices of Malayalam actor Dileep Saturday revealed that he has evaded payment of service tax, said central excise and service tax officials.

The over 12-hour raid that began Saturday morning took place at multiple places, including his residence near here, and offices that are into production and distribution.

A press statement issued by the central excise department said the raids were based on intelligence reports that the 45-year-old Dileep evaded payment of service tax by hiding details of his remuneration.

The statement said the actor takes only a small portion of his remuneration through cash or cheque, while the rest is channelised by taking over the distribution of his film.

The actor, who was reported to be in a shooting location in the city itself, however did not turn up before the officials.

In the Malayalam film industry, Dileep is currently rated as the most sought after actor after the two superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal.

Beginning his career from behind the scenes by working as an assistant director to ace filmmaker Kamal, he is also a good mimic.

In the early 1990s, he started doing cameos and later he proved his mettle through films like "Sallapam" and "Punjabi House" to name a few.

In 2000 and 2002, blockbuster films like "Thenkasi pattenem" and "Meeshamadhavan", Dileep scaled newer heights and has since then remained at the top.

He later married Malayalam actress Manju Warrier.