State Taxes Enforcement Wing intensifies crackdown on GST violations in High Tax-Prone Commodity Tobacco; imposes penalty exceeding Rs 37 lakh

STATE TIMES NEWS
SAMBA: The State Taxes Department’s Enforcement Wing has launched a rigorous enforcement drive in Samba aimed at curbing GST violations, focusing specifically on the high tax-prone commodity of tobacco.

Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner of State Taxes (Enforcement), Samba, Sanjay Gupta and the dedicated efforts of STO Raj Kumar Badgal, STO Kanchan Bala, Inspectors Jagandeep Singh and Sami Ullah,, Sub-Inspector Ashish Bruno Khokhar, the department has imposed substantial penalties totaling Rs 37,37,358 against defaulters involved in GST violations in the month of October.
This intensified crackdown comes under the strategic oversight and guidance of Commissioner of State Taxes P.K. Bhat and Additional Commissioner (Enforcement and Administration) Namrata Dogra. Focus on High-Risk Commodity, Tobacco: The enforcement team targeted the tobacco sector, recognized as a high-risk commodity for GST evasion due to its high tax rate and widespread market demand. One notable penalty of Rs 9,13,200 was levied in a significant case involving GST violations on tobacco, reinforcing the department’s focus on curtailing tax evasion within this sector. In the month of October, the Enforcement Wing verified over 36,000 e-way bills, conducting thorough checks to prevent discrepancies and irregularities. This large-scale operation demonstrates the department’s commitment to ensuring that goods transported across the region comply with GST regulations.
The Enforcement Wing has established 24/7 checkpoints (Nakas) across strategic locations in Samba. These checkpoints enable the team to conduct regular inspections, improving the department’s ability to detect and deter non-compliance in real-time. The department is leveraging data analytics and intelligence reports to prioritize high-risk routes and commodities, ensuring targeted and efficient enforcement. Commending the efforts of the officers and personnel involved, Commissioner of State Taxes, expressed his appreciation for the team’s dedication and vigilance. He noted, “This enforcement drive highlights the State Taxes Department’s commitment to eliminating tax evasion, particularly in high-risk commodities like tobacco. These actions are essential to maintaining a transparent and compliant tax environment.”
Additional Commissioner (Enforcement and Administration), Namrata Dogra, also praised the comprehensive enforcement measures. She emphasized that the proactive use of analytics and on-ground inspections plays a vital role in ensuring compliance. “The success of this operation underscores the importance of coordinated and data-driven approaches to enforcement. Our commitment to combating GST violations is unwavering, and we are prepared to take all necessary steps to safeguard the state’s revenue.”
The department is confident that such stringent measures will not only ensure greater revenue collection but also contribute significantly to maintaining fair market practices across the region.