45 traders fined Rs 23.45 L for GST tax evasion

Forty-five traders have evaded payment of GST to the tune of Rs 51.3 lakh in the last one month, beginning May 15 and a penalty of Rs 23.48 lakh was imposed on them during surprise checks,an official said today.

Commissioner of commercial taxes G Srinivas,in a release said they acted on a tip off from the public who informed them through Whatsapp, e-mail and also in written complaints, of non issuance of proper bills by the traders.

The surprise checks and inspection was held as part of a month-long drive launched by the commercial tax department from May 15, the release said.

The department also conducted surprise checks of lorries and identified several 'discrepancies',following which Rs 7.05 lakh was collected as tax that was not remitted to the department for goods being transported, he said.