Rs 33.73 Crore GST Fraud: Assam STF Nabs Alleged Mastermind in Kolkata:

The Assam Special Task Force (STF) has arrested three more people, including the alleged mastermind, in connection with a multi-state Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Input Tax Credit (ITC) fraud case. With these latest arrests, the total number of people held in the case has gone up to 12.

The alleged kingpin, Vinit Kumar Poddar, was arrested from Kolkata on Wednesday night during an STF operation. Two others, Surajit Barman and Vivek Kumar Gupta, were also arrested from the Tiljala area of Kolkata after investigators developed fresh leads in the case.

According to Assam STF sources, the fraud uncovered so far is worth around Rs 33.73 crore.

Speaking to reporters in Guwahati on Thursday, STF Senior Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Pegu said that 12 people have been arrested so far in two separate cases registered in June and July this year. He said the investigation is still underway and officials are tracking the money trail to identify others who may have been involved.

The first case, registered in June, had already led to the arrest of eight people. During the investigation, the STF traced Poddar, who is believed to have planned and operated the alleged GST ITC fraud network.

The second case began with the arrest of Rishikesh Kalita. Information gathered during his questioning helped investigators identify Barman and Gupta, who were later arrested in Kolkata.

Police said all three accused have been booked under non-bailable sections related to cheating, forgery and the use of forged documents. They will be produced before the competent court for further legal proceedings.

The STF believes the fraud was carried out through a network operating across several states. Investigators are now examining financial transactions and trying to identify other people linked to the scam.