Multiple Properties Linked to Prominent Traders Searched for Over 18 Hours; Documents Under Scrutiny
CHAIBASA, May 3, 2025 — The GST Intelligence Department has launched a large-scale search and investigation operation in West Singhbhum’s Chaibasa region, targeting businesses associated with the ‘Jharkhand Khaini’ brand, amid suspicions of tax evasion and GST irregularities.
The operation, which began on Friday, has continued uninterrupted for over 18 hours and extended into Saturday, with officials conducting detailed verification of financial and logistical records across multiple business locations.
Raids on Prominent Local Businessmen
Two key businessmen—Nitin Prakash and Pankaj Chirania—have come under scrutiny in this action. Raids were conducted simultaneously at several of their premises:
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Nitin Prakash:
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Residence in Neemdih
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Office at Sadar Bazaar, Chaibasa
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An industrial unit in the Saraikela-Kharsawan industrial area
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Pankaj Chirania:
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Residence in the European Quarters, Chaibasa
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Extended Operation Covers Agents and Industrial Units
The enforcement team also targeted Pintu Agarwal, an agent associated with the ‘Jharkhand Khaini’ brand. Additional searches were carried out at:
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A rice mill in Adityapur
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Units producing sattu and besan, where commercial records and inventories were inspected
According to sources, the raids are based on suspected tax evasion practices and misuse of GST input credit mechanisms. The department suspects large-scale discrepancies in reported turnover and actual business activity.
No Official Statement Yet, Investigation Ongoing
While no formal statement has been released, a senior official from the GST Intelligence team stated that conclusive information will be provided only after the investigation is complete. The search teams arrived in six vehicles and conducted parallel raids across multiple locations to prevent possible tampering with documents or digital evidence.
The ongoing operation highlights a growing crackdown on tobacco and related products, which are often under-reported for tax purposes due to high GST rates applicable to such items.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
