Vigilance probe reveals 936 fake entries in tax records

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 20

The Vigilance Department, UT, found 936 fake tax entries in its probe into a multi-crore scam in the Department of the Excise and Taxation here.

Sources said the fake entries were made by employees of the taxation department with the connivance of certain touts working on behalf of the companies. While the companies did not pay tax to the department, it was shown as paid in the department records.

The department has already issued notices to more than 80 firms in the city for the assessment of tax. 

Sources said the Vigilance Department was close to identifying the culprits.

The scam had come to light during a hearing in a case in the court of UT Adviser Parimal Rai. Suspecting a foul play, the Adviser had asked the Excise and Taxation Department officials to probe the matter. 

Sources in the Vigilance Department said the entries were made over a period of two years without the knowledge of senior officials. 

Letters for the settlement of taxes were also issued by erring employees, who had allegedly used the passwords of the officials concerned to make the fake entries. 

The department is calculating the amount of tax evaded, which may run into crores.

Sources said some arrests were likely to be made soon.

Bar fined for offering free liquor to women

• The Excise and Taxation Department, UT, has penalised a bar-cum-restaurant situated in Sector 26 for offering free liquor to women customers. 
• Sources said Rakesh Kumar Popli, Additional Commissioner, Excise and Taxation-cum-Collector, imposed the penalty of Rs 1 lakh on the restaurant for violating the provisions of the Excise Policy. 
• Sources said the department had received a complaint that the restaurant was advertising on the social media luring women customers with a buy one, get one free offer.
• The Additional Commissioner also imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh each on four vends for selling liquor without hologram and invoice.