In a significant expansion of its ongoing investigation into a pan-India Goods and Services Tax (GST) fraud network, the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam has apprehended three key individuals from Kolkata, West Bengal. These arrests were made during coordinated operations conducted outside the state, targeting syndicates involved in fraudulent Input Tax Credit (ITC) claims.
The first breakthrough occurred on August 2, 2026, when STF personnel arrested Vivek Kumar Gupta and Surajit Barman from the Tiljala area of Kolkata. This operation was linked to STF P.S. Case No. 05/2026. Following this, on August 4, 2026, another prime accused, Vineet Kumar Poddar, was taken into custody from Kaikhali, Kolkata, in connection with STF P.S. Case No. 02/2026. Authorities confirmed the seizure of several mobile phones, SIM cards, and various documents considered incriminating from the arrested individuals.
Of the three apprehended, Vineet Kumar Poddar and Vivek Kumar Gupta are residents of Kolkata. Significantly, Surajit Barman hails from Barama in Assam's Baksa district but had reportedly been evading arrest by hiding in Kolkata. All three accused were subsequently transported to Guwahati on transit remand, following necessary legal procedures and orders from the competent court in Kolkata.
These arrests underscore the Assam STF's persistent efforts to dismantle large-scale financial fraud operations that extend beyond state borders, aiming to curb the misuse of the GST system and protect public exchequer.
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