The Apex Office of the Commissionerate of SGST, Assam, has arrested Ujjawal K. Agarwal in connection with a major fake ITC case.
The operation, initiated on September 19, was part of the department's ongoing crackdown on tax evasion. Preliminary investigations revealed that Agarwal, operating through his business M/s. BKS Enterprises in Tinsukia, had allegedly evaded GST on a total turnover of approximately ₹66 crore, resulting in tax evasion estimated at Rs 12 crore.
During the investigation, GST authorities conducted a search and inspection under Section 67(2) of the GST Act at Agarwal's business premises, which concluded on September 20. However, Agarwal failed to comply with repeated summons issued by the department and absconded. A notice under BNSS 35(3) was later served electronically, requiring his appearance at Kar Bhawan, Dispur on October 3, but he did not respond. Multiple phone calls to Agarwal also went unanswered until October 7.
With the assistance of Assam Police, GST officials traced Agarwal to a residence in Ankur Path, Survey, Guwahati. He was found at the home of his friend, Nikshay Sarawgi, and detained from the bathroom by the joint team. Agarwal was taken to Kar Bhawan for interrogation regarding his alleged involvement in issuing fake ITC through bogus billing without the supply of goods or services.
Following his arrest, Agarwal was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Court, Guwahati. His bail plea was rejected, and he was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.
This case highlights Assam GST authorities' continued vigilance against fraudulent GST practices and the strict enforcement measures being implemented to curb tax evasion in the state.
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