Following a complaint regarding GST evasion, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch has taken significant action across the state, conducting raids at 14 locations, including Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Surat, Kheda, and Bhavnagar. The operation was prompted by information from the Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI), leading to the arrest of over 33 individuals linked to 12 bogus firms.
Among those arrested is Mahesh Langa, a left-leaning journalist for The Hindu, who is currently being interrogated in connection with the GST scam. Reports indicate that the investigation has already uncovered a scam exceeding ₹200 crore, with indications that the total fraudulent billing in Gujarat may surpass ₹50,000 crore.
The FIR filed by the Crime Branch details how a bogus company, Dhruvi Enterprise, fraudulently obtained input tax credit by creating over 200 fake firms nationwide. The scheme reportedly involved submitting fake lease agreements to the Ahmedabad GST department to secure a GST number, leading to a complex web of fraudulent invoicing and document forgery that caused substantial revenue losses for the nation.
The FIR names several individuals and companies as co-accused in the conspiracy, with charges filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including IPC sections 420, 467, 468, 471, 474, and 120(B). As investigations continue, the extent of the scam is expected to grow, with more arrests likely.
Interestingly, just a day before his arrest, Langa tweeted about the difficulties of GST registration, calling it a “pain” and highlighting the excessive documentation required. This ironic twist adds another layer to the unfolding story, as Langa was known for his critical coverage of events in Gujarat.
The Crime Branch's investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The crackdown on fraudulent GST practices marks a crucial step in addressing significant tax evasion issues that impact the country’s economy.
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