Following a series of raids at 67 premises involving 52 business persons across Gujarat, Goods and Services Tax (GST) officials have unearthed unaccounted transactions worth Rs 24.89 crore and GST evasion totalling Rs 5.42 crore. The operations targeted several cities, including Ahmedabad, Anand, Ankleshwar, Bharuch, Kheda, Nadiad and Vadodara and were conducted after a wave of extravagant weddings across the state post-Diwali.
Sources reveal that the raids primarily focused on party plot owners, caterers, and related industries such as hotels, tour operators, salons and beauty parlours. These sectors are now under the GST department’s scrutiny, with investigations expanding to other connected businesses.
During the December 18 raids, officials scrutinised the accounts of more than 20 party plots in Ahmedabad alone. Investigations revealed that many operators also provided decoration and catering services, further complicating the landscape of potential tax evasion.
In addition to the raids, GST officials have gathered details about business activities in sectors like hotels and salons. These industries are expected to face searches and further investigations in the coming days.
Earlier, GST authorities raided prominent artificial flower traders in Ahmedabad, uncovering tax evasion worth lakhs. With the high demand for artificial flowers during the Diwali and wedding seasons, many traders were found conducting business without proper billing. As a result, searches were conducted at 11 premises. Now, with the Christmas season approaching and demand for artificial flowers are surging once again, these traders remain under the GST department’s radar.
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