200 Vehicles Detained, Goods Worth Rs 7 Crore Seized in Major Anti-Tax Evasion Drive Across Punjab
Chandigarh, June 6
In a major drive against tax evasion, Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced that the state taxation department has launched a large-scale enforcement operation in the iron and steel sector, resulting in the detention of more than 200 vehicles and the seizure of goods worth approximately Rs 7 crore.
Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards tax evasion, the Finance Minister stated that the special operation was aimed at curbing bogus billing and the transportation of goods without valid documentation. He added that penalties against the violators are expected to exceed Rs 3.5 crore.
Sharing details of the operation, Cheema said that the State Investigation and Preventive Unit (SIPU) of the Taxation Department successfully carried out the strategic enforcement drive across Punjab’s key iron and steel hub, including Mandi Gobindgarh, Khanna, and adjoining areas.
watch…ਆਪ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ 4 ਸਾਲ: ਗਾਰੰਟੀਆਂ ਪੂਰੀਆਂ, ਨਸ਼ੇ ਮੁਕਤ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੇੜੇ
“The primary objective of the operation was to curb revenue losses caused by illegal trade practices and tax evasion in the iron and steel sector,” he said.
During the drive, officials detained more than 200 vehicles transporting iron scrap and finished steel products for detailed verification. The total quantity of goods intercepted is estimated at over 2,400 metric tonnes.
According to preliminary investigations, several consignments were found to be moving either without proper invoices and e-way bills or with documents that appeared highly suspicious. The department is currently conducting a detailed investigation to uncover the network involved in bogus billing and fraudulent transactions.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema warned that strict legal action would be taken against all individuals and businesses found involved in tax evasion or activities that adversely affect the state’s revenue collection.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, compliance, and fair business practices while safeguarding Punjab’s financial interests.
