Punjab Tax Dept detains 170 vehicles, seizes goods worth over Rs 5 crore in GST crackdown
Cheema says consignments under verification, action to follow against tax violations
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 14, 2026: The Punjab Department of Excise and Taxation has detained 170 vehicles carrying goods suspected of violating GST provisions during a major enforcement drive across the state, Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said on Monday.
The operation was conducted jointly by the State Investigation and Preventive Units, with a special focus on Mandi Gobindgarh and Khanna. The department seized iron scrap and finished iron and steel products valued at more than ₹5 crore, according to the minister.
Cheema said a substantial number of the detained vehicles were found carrying goods without proper invoices and other prescribed documents. He described the operation as a “wake-up call” for those attempting to evade taxes or move undocumented goods.
“The government is determined to plug every loophole and ensure that tax compliance becomes the rule rather than the exception,” Cheema said.
He said the detained consignments are currently undergoing detailed verification and the process is expected to be completed within a week.
After the verification, the department will determine the applicable tax and statutory dues and initiate recovery and other action wherever violations are established, Cheema said.
“This is not a flash in the pan. It is a sustained campaign to instill discipline in trade practices,” the minister said, adding that the government would continue action against the movement of undocumented goods to protect state revenue.
Cheema said the enforcement drive was part of the department’s broader efforts to strengthen GST compliance and curb tax evasion across Punjab.