A major crackdown by the GST department in Bareilly and Meerut has exposed an alleged tax evasion racket worth ₹9.12 crore, leading to the arrest of businessman Jagdish Chandra Agrawal and accountant Gopal Saxena, who have been sent to judicial custody.
According to officials, the Central GST team from Noida conducted coordinated raids at Nuish Forever company near Jasiuli Road, Civil Lines station area, and at Taz Tobacco Products unit in Bidholia, CBI Ganj region. The search operation continued for nearly three days, during which records, stock registers, invoices, and financial documents were thoroughly examined.
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Investigators said that during the inspection, significant discrepancies were found in tax filings and business transactions, indicating large-scale evasion and unaccounted commercial activity. Following initial findings, the two accused were taken into custody and produced before a special CJM court in Meerut, which remanded them to 10 days of judicial custody.
Officials stated that preliminary assessment confirms tax evasion of ₹9.12 crore, though the total financial irregularities may be higher as the investigation progresses.
The probe further revealed that the accused firm was allegedly involved in manufacturing pan masala under the brand name “Dhanashree.” Four production machines were reportedly installed at the facility, enabling large-scale manufacturing that was distributed across multiple districts.
Authorities suspect that both production and distribution processes were carried out in violation of GST regulations, with goods being supplied to several regions including Meerut and Saharanpur without proper documentation.
According to the special public prosecutor, the department acted on specific intelligence suggesting that the accused had set up a questionable business structure under the name Nuish Forever and began manufacturing tobacco-related products. The investigation also found that goods were being transported to multiple districts, while official records failed to reflect accurate sales and production data.
Local sources claim that illegally manufactured pan masala and tobacco products were being circulated in the market under different brand names. Similar complaints had surfaced earlier in the region, but this case has brought renewed attention due to the scale of alleged tax evasion.
GST return analysis reportedly showed major inconsistencies, prompting officials to dig deeper into the financial records. Early examination indicated a wide gap between input and output tax data, suggesting manipulation across the supply chain.
Police officials confirmed that adequate security was deployed during the raid to ensure smooth execution of the operation. Several electronic devices, including computers and digital records, were seized from the premises and sent for forensic analysis.
The case has triggered concern within local business circles, with traders acknowledging that while such enforcement actions may curb illegal activities, they also highlight the possible spread of unregistered manufacturing networks across multiple districts.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and further names, transactions, and links may emerge as the probe continues. Financial records, bank accounts, and logistics networks associated with the accused firms are currently under detailed scrutiny.
Officials have also indicated that additional raids may be conducted in the coming days as part of a broader crackdown on suspected tax evasion networks operating in the region.
