The State GST Department in Chhattisgarh conducted a major operation, simultaneously raiding 25 locations across Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba, Durg, Raigarh, and Jagdalpur. The raids targeted offices and warehouses of businesses involved in the trade of gutkha, clothing, transportation, footwear, and dry fruits.
Chaos erupted at several locations as the raids commenced. Investigations revealed that these firms had reported turnovers worth crores but had either paid negligible taxes or none at all. Examinations of documents exposed cases of bogus billing and fraudulent input tax credit claims by several firms.
State GST Special Commissioner TL Dhruv has made it clear that those involved in tax evasion will not be spared. The department is now adopting a strict approach, preparing for legal action along with hefty penalties. After confirming tax evasion of approximately ₹10 crore, notices have been issued to all firm operators.
During the raids, it was also discovered that some business owners did not possess accounting software or any records of their transactions. Their entire businesses were being run on the basis of raw bills and fake documents.