Major tax evasion network unearthed in Bengaluru: Illegal transactions worth 100 crore exposed
Bengaluru: The Commercial Taxes Department has uncovered a large-scale tax evasion network in the state capital following a covert operation that lasted 15 days. Officials have detected concealed trade transactions worth approximately 100 crore rupees involving multiple business establishments.
Inspections were conducted in central Bengaluru, including areas like Chickpet, Avenue Road, BVK Iyengar Road, JC Road and SP Road. Through document scrutiny and data analysis, authorities found extensive instances of tax concealment. Further investigations are underway, officials confirmed.
According to the department, several traders purchased goods from New Delhi and other regions without proper billing and later sold them locally without issuing tax invoices. Items identified include electronics, automobile spare parts, gift products and dry fruits. It was also found that actual quantities purchased were significantly higher than what was declared in tax records.
Officials stated that traders dealing in iron, steel, hardware and cement supplied products directly to end customers, while issuing fake bills to contractors in order to evade tax liabilities.
During the operation, many businesses were also found to be operating without GST registration despite having taxable turnover exceeding 40 lakh rupees. Such traders have been warned and instructed to complete mandatory registration immediately.
The department has intensified monitoring of freight movement in and out of city railway stations. At Yeshwantpur Railway Station, officials seized nearly 1,000 bags of gutka, pan masala and dry fruits transported without valid documentation. Additionally, over 75 goods vehicles carrying iron scrap without proper tax invoices were taken into custody.
Authorities have reiterated that strict action will continue against those involved in tax evasion and illegal commercial activities in Bengaluru.
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CM Siddaramaiah alleges ‘criminal conspiracy’ in Sringeri recount, vows legal action
Bengaluru (PTI): Alleging a “criminal conspiracy” by BJP candidate D N Jeevaraj in the Sringeri Assembly poll recounting, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the outcome was manipulated after valid postal ballot votes in favour of Congress leader T D Raje Gowda were tampered with during the recounting process.
Following a Karnataka High Court order on an election petition filed by Jeevaraj, challenging Raje Gowda’s election, the reverification and recounting were conducted on Saturday.
After the reverification and recount of postal ballots for the Sringeri Assembly constituency, votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda were reduced by 255, the returning officer said.
A report on the matter has been submitted to the Election Commission of India for further action, the officer added.
Congress leader Raje Gowda had won the 2023 Assembly polls from Sringeri by 201 votes, defeating his nearest rival Jeevaraj.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the High Court had directed the recounting of postal ballots and that irregularities were noticed during the exercise conducted on May 2.
“This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” Siddaramaiah said, alleging that valid votes cast in favour of Raje Gowda were altered after being accepted by counting agents of all parties, including Congress, BJP, and JD(S).
He claimed that during the recounting of postal ballots, 255 votes were initially accepted as valid by all agents but were later tampered with by subordinate officials.
“There is a second mark on the votes polled in favour of Raje Gowda. They had accepted these as valid votes. Subsequently, another mark was made by officials. This is a clear case of criminal conspiracy,” he said.
When asked who was behind the alleged conspiracy, the CM replied, “It was hatched by Jeevaraj and others. It is planned.”
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the returning officer acted improperly by declaring the result despite the presence of an Election Commission observer during the recounting.
“Immediately after the counting, the returning officer announced the result. He should not have done so; this is against the law,” he said.
He pointed out that Raje Gowda had originally won by 201 votes, but after the recounting, the BJP candidate was declared the winner by 52 votes.
“The BJP has committed a criminal act of conspiracy. This is not vote chori but vote dacoity,” he alleged.
The CM said a police complaint had already been filed by Raje Gowda’s election agent, Sudhir Kumar, and emphasised the need for electoral integrity.
“We want transparency and free and fair elections. That is what our Constitution mandates,” he added.
Stating that the government would pursue legal remedies, Siddaramaiah said, “We are preparing an appeal challenging the returning officer’s announcement in a court of law.”
Responding to a separate query on elections in other states, the CM said there appeared to be an anti-incumbency factor in West Bengal, while results in Tamil Nadu were “surprising,” adding that Vijay’s party was emerging as the largest there.
Following the victory of party candidates in Bagalkote and Davanagere South, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about future electoral prospects in Karnataka.
“Even in 2028, we will win the Assembly elections. We will come back,” the CM said.
Siddaramaiah added that he would order a forensic examination into the alleged tampering of postal ballots.
