In a significant development, two primary suspects linked to a sprawling fake Input Tax Credit (ITC) scam, estimated to involve tax evasion over Rs 50 crore, have been apprehended in Kolkata. The arrests mark a major success for a joint operation conducted by the State GST, Assam, and the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police.
Following an intensive four-day manhunt, the investigative team successfully located and arrested Vivek Kumar Gupta from Kolkata and Surajit Barman, a resident of Assam's Baksa district. Both are alleged to be instrumental members of the syndicate, which is also believed to include Hrishikesh Kalita and Trishna Barman.
Investigations so far have uncovered a sophisticated network of 15 alleged fake GST firms, purportedly established solely for the fraudulent availing and passing of Input Tax Credit. Preliminary findings suggest that the accused obtained GST registrations by illicitly using the PAN and Aadhaar details of unsuspecting individuals. Vivek Kumar Gupta is suspected of playing a pivotal role in orchestrating the financial transactions of this elaborate racket.
While two key figures are now in custody, another prime accused, Shubhrajeet Bhattacharjee, remains at large. The joint investigation team has affirmed its commitment to continuing efforts to trace and apprehend him as the probe into the extensive fraud progresses.
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