Bhagwant Mann Govt’s crackdown on iron & steel tax evasion, 200 vehicles detained, ₹5 crore goods seized: Harpal Singh Cheema
Major enforcement drive in Mandi Gobindgarh & Khanna, over 1,600 metric tonnes of goods intercepted: Harpal Singh Cheema
SIPU executed massive operation targeting iron & steel belt to curb tax evasion & bogus billing, penalties expected to exceed ₹3 crore: Harpal Singh Cheema
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema issued stern warning to tax evaders, urging voluntary compliance to avoid stringent legal consequences
CHANDIGARH; 30th April 2026:
Announcing a massive crackdown on tax evasion within the iron and steel sector, Punjab Finance and Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday said that the state’s taxation department has detained over 200 vehicles and seized goods with an approximate market value of ₹5 crore. The Minister emphasised that this major enforcement drive targets bogus billing and the movement of goods without proper documentation, with expected penalties exceeding ₹3 crore for the violators.
Providing details of the operation, the Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema informed that the State Investigation & Preventive Unit (SIPU) of the taxation department successfully executed a major enforcement drive today. He said, “This strategic action was heavily concentrated in the prominent iron and steel belt encompassing Mandi Gobindgarh, Khanna, and adjoining areas. The primary aim of this operation was to decisively curb tax evasion occurring through the movement of goods without valid documents and the illegal use of bogus billing”.
Sharing the scale of the interception, the Finance Minister revealed, “More than 200 vehicles transporting iron scrap and finished steel goods were detained for rigorous verification during the course of this special action. The total quantity of the involved goods is estimated to be over 1,600 metric tonnes, carrying an approximate market value of ₹5 crore. The preliminary scrutiny clearly indicates several consignments were moving either without proper invoices and e-way bills or were supported by suspected bogus documentation”.
Detailing the subsequent departmental actions, he said, “The proceedings under the relevant provisions of the GST law have been officially initiated against the defaulters. The resulting penalty is expected to exceed ₹3 crore, which remains subject to detailed verification and adjudication.”
To ensure the protection of the state exchequer, the Finance Minister further added, “The enforcement teams have been strictly directed to conduct expeditious verification and execute immediate follow-up action, including the swift recovery of due tax and penalties to safeguard government revenue”.
Reiterating CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s firm stance while reviewing the action, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema declared that the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring strict compliance with GST laws. “Any attempt to evade tax through bogus billing or the unauthorized movement of goods will be dealt with firmly. Such enforcement drives will continue relentlessly across the State, ensuring strict action will be taken against all violators,” he asserted.
The Minister advised tax evaders to comply voluntarily, cautioning that failing to do so means they will face stringent penalties and legal consequences. He said that the Taxation department will be maintaining a fair and transparent tax regime extending every help to honest tax payers while taking decisive action against tax evasion.
