Cheema Warns Tax Evaders; GST Crackdown Seizes Rs 7 Crore Goods, Rs 3.5 Crore Penalty Levied

The Punjab Government’s GST Department has seized around 2,400 metric tonnes of goods worth nearly Rs 7 crore during a week-long enforcement drive in Mandi Gobindgarh and Khanna. The move followed an investigation by officials of alleged tax evasion through goods being traded without proper invoices or fake bills.

Along with the seizures, the department has imposed penalties of about Rs 3.5 crore on the traders involved. The operation is part of the state government’s ongoing campaign against GST violations.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the government will not tolerate tax evasion under any circumstances. He said the Bhagwant Mann-led government is committed to ensuring strict compliance with tax laws and preventing any loss of government revenue.

Cheema said special enforcement teams have been formed across Punjab to keep a close watch on suspicious business activities. The raids in Mandi Gobindgarh and Khanna were carried out after authorities received complaints about large-scale tax evasion in these industrial areas.

During the inspections, officials found that a large quantity of goods was allegedly being sold without proper documents or through fake billing practices. As a result, goods worth nearly Rs 7 crore were seized.

Finance Minister warned of serious legal action against anyone involved in tax evasion. He also appealed to the industrialists and traders to run their businesses in a legal manner and shun unlawful practices.

Cheema added that the Punjab government is fully supporting honest businesses and entrepreneurs and will continue to encourage those who follow tax rules.