SHIMLA/CHANDIGARH: In an operation, the HP Commissioner of State Taxes and Excise enforcement team has struck gold in Una, seizing a staggering Rs. 4.64 Crore worth of unaccounted jewelry from the residence of a prominent silver jewelry merchant.
Acting on a tip-off, the enforcement team's audacious raid has sent shockwaves through the jewelry industry, particularly in Shimla, Solan, Mandi, and Chandigarh, where nefarious activities are yet to be brought under Excise lense.
The Una operation early four days ago led to the confiscation of jewelry that lacked any supporting bills or documentation. In a swift move, the department slapped a hefty penalty of Rs. 15,32,594 under the GST Act on the guilty party, as confirmed by State Commissioner Mr. Yunus.
This seismic seizure has sent shivers down the spines of the high-profile big fish in Shimla, Solan, Mandi, and other cities, where the Enforcement team is yet to conduct full-scale investigations into potential wrongdoings.
The teams of Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana, where jewellers are making brisk business, have yet to wake from their slumber to learn lesson from the Himachal.
Disturbingly, it appears that these big fish in Shimla, Solan and Mandi have thrived unchecked as the Enforcement team act only on tip-offs rather than conducting regular inspections.
Insiders have revealed that with the impending Diwali festival just around the corner, jewelers are leaving no stone unturned to maximize their profits. The Enforcement team's sporadic actions have raised eyebrows, with critics demanding more consistent monitoring to prevent illicit activities from spiraling out of control.
In a separate case, the Dehra team of the department flexed its muscles by imposing a hefty fine of one lakh rupees under the GST Act for goods without proper bills during a late-night inspection.
But the jewelry sector isn't the only target of the department's relentless crackdown. Under the Excise Act, various enforcement teams have launched a series of operations, resulting in the seizure and destruction of approximately 250 bulk liters of illicit liquor.
In a daring operation, the Revenue District BBN team conducted raids in Barotiwala, Kalu Jhanda, Kulhariwala, and Kunjhal areas, successfully seizing 115 bulk liters of liquor intended for sale in Chandigarh.
Furthermore, the excise team of district Sirmaur intercepted and destroyed around 90 liters of illegal liquor, cleverly concealed in bottles and cans near the village of Jamni Ghat.
Not to be outdone, Team Shimla launched a blitz against suspected grocery shops and dhabas, seizing a significant haul of 22 bulk liters of illicit liquor.
Commissioner Dr. Yunus disclosed that in recent times, the department has obliterated a staggering 77,000 bulk liters of illegal liquor and registered a whopping 230 cases under the Excise Act. A relentless army of 26 departmental teams is toiling day and night to combat this menace.
Dr. Yunus emphasized the establishment of a 24x7 control room and appealed to the public to report any cases of illegal liquor and tax evasion on the toll-free number 1800-180-8060 and WhatsApp number 94183-31426. The call to action is clear: intensify the campaign, crush the illegal liquor trade, and put an end to tax evasion once and for all.
