Date: May 13, 2025
In a major crackdown on GST fraud, Punjab’s taxation department has unearthed a massive fake billing scam involving transactions worth ?1,549 crore. The enforcement drive, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, successfully blocked fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims totaling ?108.79 crore.
Sector-Wise Highlights
- Gold Sector – Ludhiana:
Fake billing of ?900 crore detected; ?21 crore in ITC blocked. - Coal Sector – Mohali, Kharar & Kotkapura:
Fraudulent invoices worth ?226 crore; ?12 crore ITC prevented. - Bogus Billing – Ludhiana & Mandi Gobindgarh:
?423 crore in fake transactions unearthed; ?75.79 crore ITC blocked.
Key Enforcement Actions
- 195 GST-Registered Firms Verified:
- 156 centrally registered
- 39 state-registered
- Major locations: Ludhiana (100 firms), Mandi Gobindgarh (72 firms)
- 2 Kg Gold Seized:
Intercepted in a vehicle from Ranchi to Ludhiana without an invoice. Investigation ongoing. - Notable Arrest:
A mastermind of fake invoicing and ?29.50 crore fraudulent ITC claim arrested.
The firm made inward supplies worth ?163 crore in FY 2023-24 and 2024-25 from over 60 bogus entities.
Digital Vigilance & Public Involvement
Punjab’s success owes much to:
- 15 tech modules developed in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad
- Public participation through ‘Bill Liyao Inaam Pao’ scheme and the ‘Mera Bill’ app
So far, 4,880 consumers have won ?2.89 crore for uploading valid bills via the app.
Penalties & Recoveries
- Discrepancies under GST Act:
- Penalties imposed: ?9.07 crore
- Recovery made: ?7.20 crore
Punjab’s GST Collection Milestone
Finance Minister Cheema proudly highlighted:
- ?62,733 crore collected in 3 years by the AAP-led government
- Compared to ?63,042 crore collected in 5 years under the Congress-led regime
Political Accusations
Cheema lashed out at Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal, accusing them of aiding past tax evaders. He alleged that these parties are now attempting to shield defaulters as the government tightens its enforcement.
Conclusion
With strong digital surveillance, public participation, and political will, Punjab cracks ?1,549 crore fake GST racket, sending a strong message against tax fraud under the GST regime.
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