Supervised by Resident Deputy Collector C R Kharsan, eight teams led by assistant collector Mona Khandhar and other deputy mamlatdars, conducted surprise inspections from 9 pm on Tuesday.

``Irregularities, including delay in payment of tax, maintenance of records, among others, were discovered during raids on Natraj, Sagar, Sadhna, Vihar, Apsara, Alpana, Pratap and Rajshree cinemas'', Kharsan told Express Newsline, adding that notices would be issued to the respective managements in a couple of a days.

According to Kharsan, Apsara owed the administration Rs 3.28 lakhs in deposit against entertainment tax, while Vihar owed Rs 1.47 lakhs, Natraj Rs 1.16 lakhs, Sadhana Rs 45,000, Alpana Rs 36,000 and Aradhana Rs 16,000. The management of Sagar and Pratap cinemas have reportedly delayed payment of the entertainment tax and maintained improper records.

Kharsan said there was evidence of some managements paying less tax by showing less-than-actual sale of tickets. Stern action would be taken against each of them after they furnished the full details, he added.

On condition of anonymity, managers of two cinemas confirmed the raids but said nothing improper had been found at the theatres.

``However, if they find any irregularity, they are welcome to initate action against us'', they said, adding that if the administration was found to be in the wrong, they would take up the matter under the banner of the Vadodara Cinema Exhibitors' Association.