Bhubanswar: In a major crackdown, Commercial Tax and Goods and Services Tax CT-GST) sleuths seized around 20 kg gold from a logistics van at Baripada in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.
Sources said the vehicle was intercepted by the enforcement squad of CT-GST division at MKC Chhak in Baripada on Friday. The gold was seized after search of the vehicle.
While the exact value of the seized gold is yet to be assessed, it is worth is approximately estimated to be over Rs 20 crore.
The vehicle was reportedly delivering gold ornaments to some jewellers in Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts in Odisha from Mumbai via Kolkata. However, the driver of the vehicle failed to show supporting documents or explanation regarding the consignment. Suspecting foul play, the CT-GST squad seized the gold and vehicle for verification.
The vehicle was spotted while delivering gold ornaments at a jewellery store. The CT-GST team which was on a mobile activity halted the logistics van and asked for documents. The bill they showed did not seem authentic. Therefore, the officials seized around 20 kg gold and further verification is underway, an official said.
The van was coming from Mumbai via Kolkata and was supposed to deliver the gold ornaments in Baripada and Udala in Mayurbhanj and Balasore. Involvement of some jewellers inMayurbhanj and Balasore districts is suspected and a thorough probe is in progress.