Secret operation by Directorate of Consumer Affairs in Ahmedabad malls, branded stores

Ahmedabad: Altogether 3 teams of the Directorate of Consumer Affairs here comprising over a dozen inspector rank officials of wight and measurement wing today conducted secret operations on various malls and branded stores in the city to catch any irregularities in billing.

The teams conducted the operations in over half a dozen commercial establishments including the reliance super market in Shahibaug, V Mart and Pantaloon store close to Law Garden. The operations, in which the weight and measurement officials posed as common customers and then checked the bills produced by the establishment, were also conducted in CG road, Ranip, Vastrapur, Anandnagar and other areas.

It is understood that two of the establishments have been found to be charging 5 % extra VAT on the goods sold by them despite the MRP being inclusive of all taxes.

Legal action will be initiated against those violating the set billing procedure.

Meanwhile many locals complained that the operations were just a formality while many of the well known malls and stores were illegally charging money in the name of extra tax.

DeshGujarat