Uttarakhand GST officers have unearthed a tax evasion racket worth over ₹20 lakh in Haldwani, reportedly operated with the collusion of a senior joint commissioner-level official. Acting under tight police security, two departmental teams from outside Haldwani conducted day-long raids, seizing goods brought in without proper documentation or with falsified papers.
A senior official said the state tax headquarters had received repeated complaints about transporters bringing goods into Haldwani while evading taxes. “One transporter reportedly enjoyed patronage from a senior departmental officer, which prevented earlier action,” the official added.
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Teams from Rudrapur raided two transport companies, investigating the matter over three days. Goods worth over ₹20 lakh were found to have been brought in without paying taxes. Under Section 130 of the GST Act, penalties on the consignment have been calculated at approximately ₹25 lakh. The seized goods and vehicles remain in department custody until fines are cleared.
The investigation also revealed the involvement of a senior departmental officer who allegedly used her influence to obstruct officials. State tax authorities are considering further action under the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami, who also manages the finance portfolio, reiterated the government’s strict stance against GST evasion and corruption.
