In a major crackdown on tax evasion, the Uttarakhand State Tax Department recovered ₹2.10 crore during a surprise operation targeting three steel firms in Laksar, Haridwar district. The action is part of intensified efforts by the department to plug revenue leakages and enforce compliance among industrial units.
Details of the Operation
According to officials, audit teams conducted sudden inspections at the steel firms’ premises, scrutinising financial records, sales invoices, and stock registers. The raids revealed irregularities in reported turnover and discrepancies in tax filings. The firms were directed to immediately deposit the outstanding tax liabilities, amounting to ₹2.10 crore.
Stronger Enforcement Measures
Senior tax officers stated that such surprise checks will continue across Uttarakhand, particularly in industrial hubs like Haridwar, Laksar, and Rudrapur. The department has adopted a data-driven audit system to flag potential cases of evasion.
“We are committed to ensuring that all businesses pay their fair share of taxes. This revenue is critical for the state’s development,” an official remarked.
Why Laksar Matters
Laksar has emerged as a growing industrial belt in Haridwar district, hosting steel, manufacturing, and small-scale units. While the region contributes significantly to the state’s revenue, it has also been under the scanner for under-reporting of production and sales.
Broader Context
The raid aligns with Uttarakhand’s push to strengthen its fiscal health at a time when the state faces mounting expenditure on disaster relief, infrastructure expansion, and welfare schemes. Authorities said the funds recovered will directly bolster state revenue collections.
What’s Next
The three firms are expected to face further scrutiny, with the possibility of penalties if additional discrepancies are uncovered. The tax department has warned other industrial units to maintain transparent records or risk similar enforcement action.
