Chandigarh, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Department of Excise and Taxation has detained 170 vehicles carrying goods suspected of violating GST provisions during a major enforcement drive across the state, with iron scrap and finished iron and steel goods valued at more than Rs 5 crore seized for verification.
The operation was conducted jointly by all State Investigation and Preventive Units, with special focus on the industrial hubs of Mandi Gobindgarh and Khanna.
Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema described the action as a “wake-up call” for tax evaders and said the government would continue efforts to plug loopholes and ensure that every legitimate rupee reaches the state exchequer.
“We have drawn a line in the sand. Those who attempt to move undocumented goods will find the law catching up with them sooner rather than later,” Cheema said.
Sharing details of the operation, the Minister said a substantial number of the detained vehicles were found without proper invoices and other prescribed documents, which constitutes a violation of GST provisions.
“The writing is on the wall, Punjab will not allow tax evasion to eat into the state’s revenue. Every legitimate rupee must reach the public exchequer, for it is the lifeblood of development,” he said.
Cheema said the detained consignments were undergoing detailed verification and the process was expected to be completed within a week. Based on the findings, the department will determine the applicable tax and statutory dues and initiate recovery proceedings wherever violations are established.
The Minister said the enforcement drive was part of the department’s sustained campaign to strengthen tax compliance and curb the movement of undocumented goods across Punjab.
“This is not a flash in the pan. It is a sustained campaign to instill discipline in trade practices. The government’s message is loud and clear: play by the rules or pay the price,” Cheema said.
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