Bhubaneswar: The Commercial Tax and GST (CT & GST) Enforcement Wing officials on Wednesday conducted simultaneous raids at three facilities of Bharat Motors in Odisha capital.
According to reports, the company has Rs 38-crore pending arrears.
At least 30 select officers spread across five different teams conducted searches at Pahala, Mancheswar and Laxmisagar (Cuttack Road) outlets of the company.
Sources said the company was issued a notice for tax evasion of more than Rs 11 crore in 2017, but it didn’t pay at that time. Over the last five years, the interest levied on the original fine amount has now accumulated to approximately Rs 38 crore.
Despite reminders and warnings by the department, the company was not paying the amount, which finally led the Supreme Court to give its nod for appropriate action against it.
It must be mentioned here that the original amount of Rs 11 crore pertains to evasion of the mandatory entry fee of vehicles by the company. The entry fee is applicable on every single vehicle that is brought/imported into the state by a company.
Bharat Motors serve as authorised dealers for 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers of multiple brands in various towns and cities of Odisha.
Though there was no official statement from the company, insiders said it might pay a part of the amount upfront and discuss with the officials about the possible situations thereon. If needed, the company might even move court, said sources.
An official from one of the teams said if needed, movable and immovable assets of the company could be freezed. Things will become clear after the completion of the raid.
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