3 Bookstores in Dehradun Accused of Overcharging and Tax Evasion

The owners of three popular bookstores in Dehradun are facing legal action for reportedly doing illegal activities. They are accused of overcharging customers, not paying GST, selling fake books with false ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers), and not giving proper bills. The police shared this information on Sunday.

After receiving a few complaints from parents of school-going children, District Magistrate (DM) Savin Bansal directed surprise checks. District administration, education department, and state GST department teams conducted raids at Asian Book Depot opposite the SBI main branch, Brothers Pustak Bhandar on Subhash Road, and National Book Depot on Dispensary Road.

The administration had received complaints about some bookstores and private school management possibly working together in illegal activities, said DM Bansal.

He further added that during inspection, it was discovered that bookstores were selling books from unknown publishers, with many books missing ISBNs. Some books were ISBNs, yet online verification was not possible, indicating that they are fake. The shops also failed to give proper receipts and forced parents into purchasing unwanted products. The teams confiscated the books and other related materials.

Parents of schoolchildren, who have long complained about the high prices of school textbooks and stationery, are happy about the recent crackdown. Lave Chaudhary, president of the Abhivakta Ekta Samiti, a parents’ association in Dehradun, said, “For years, these high prices have put a financial strain on parents. Many believe that schools get a 30-40% commission on each book sold. With thousands of students buying lakhs of books, schools make huge profits while parents suffer.”

He further said, “It is good that the authorities have finally paid attention to our concerns. But more steps are needed to control schools that are increasing these prices. Without proper rules and regular monitoring of private schools, the problem will continue.”

Parents have also requested continuous supervision instead of just a one-time action, he added.