Chandigarh: In a sweeping enforcement drive that cast the net wide across Punjab, the Department of Excise and Taxation detained 170 vehicles carrying goods suspected to be in violation of GST provisions. The operation, carried out jointly by all State Investigation and Preventive Units with special focus on Mandi Gobindgarh and Khanna, led to the seizure of iron scrap and finished iron/steel goods valued at more than Rs 5 crore.
Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema described the drive as “a wake-up call for those who think they can cut corners and get away with it.”
The Minister further informed that the detained consignments are undergoing detailed verification, which is expected to be completed within a week. He said, “Once the dust settles, appropriate action will be taken, including determination and recovery of applicable tax and statutory dues. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that violators face the music.”