Gandhinagar: Gujarat State GST Department’s Investigation Wing, based on information received and subsequent investigation, conducted a search operation on November 11, 2024, at 14 copper-related firms in Surat, Rajkot, Bharuch, Vapi, Junagadh, and Bhavnagar.

During the investigation, it was found that these firms were involved in large-scale tax evasion by showing bogus purchases of copper.

Sandip Anwar Virani, a partner of Fortune Copper Industries, was arrested in Surat for his involvement in this tax evasion scheme. This firm is suspected of evading taxes worth Rs. 19.46 crore. The court has granted police remand until November 16, 2024.

Four firms were found to be bogus, and tax evasion of over Rs. 48 crore has been detected. Tax worth Rs. 1.90 crore has been blocked, and assets worth Rs. 22.98 crore have been attached.

Further legal action will be taken after the investigation is completed. DeshGujarat