Rajkot: In a major crackdown on suspected tax evasion and illegal movement of precious metals, a joint operation by the Gujarat ATS and Rajkot City Crime Branch led to the seizure of 181 kg of unaccounted silver worth nearly ₹5 crore at Rajkot International Airport in Hirasar. The action came after intelligence inputs about a suspicious silver consignment arriving by air from Mumbai.

Officials said the Gujarat ATS had received specific information that a large quantity of silver was being transported to Rajkot through air cargo channels and that a receiver would arrive to collect the consignment. Acting on the inputs, the ATS alerted the Rajkot City Crime Branch, following which a joint surveillance operation was launched at the airport.

During the operation, authorities intercepted Vipul Kunjera, an employee associated with a Blue Dart courier facility located near Ranchhodnagar in Rajkot’s Samakantha area, when he arrived to collect the shipment. The parcels were checked in his presence and officials examined the accompanying documents.

It is learnt that a total of 401 kg of silver initially came under scrutiny. After verification, investigators found 181 kg to be unaccounted for and suspected irregularities in the documentation, prompting officials to seize the consignment.

Preliminary findings suggest the case may involve a larger network linked to GST and income tax evasion. Investigators suspect forged or manipulated invoices may have been used to facilitate transportation of the precious metal and evade tax liabilities.

Given the seriousness of the case, multiple agencies, including the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), Gujarat ATS, State GST authorities, Income Tax officials, and intelligence agencies, have joined the investigation. Officials are also probing whether hawala channels or other illegal financial activities may be linked to the movement of the silver consignment.

The seizure has triggered a stir in Rajkot’s bullion and jewellery market, with agencies now examining the role of courier operators and other possible links in the supply chain. DeshGujarat