Ahmedabad, May 18: In a significant operation based on intelligence inputs, authorities seized approximately 180 kilograms of silver at Rajkot Airport on Sunday, valued at around ₹5 crore. The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) received specific intelligence indicating that a large consignment of silver was to be delivered to an individual in Rajkot.
Following this information, coordination among agencies was promptly established to ensure timely investigation and action. The Rajkot Crime Branch was immediately informed, leading to the dispatch of an ATS team to the airport.
The joint operation by the ATS and Crime Branch successfully tracked and intercepted the consignment at the airport, while also investigating the circumstances surrounding its arrival. During the operation, officials detained the individual who arrived to collect the shipment and seized the associated parcels. In accordance with standard procedures, the parcels were opened in the presence of the individual for inspection.
Upon reviewing the documents, officials discovered that the paperwork related to the silver consignment was incomplete. Preliminary investigations revealed discrepancies in the records, raising suspicions of tax evasion. As the case primarily involved compliance with Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations, the State GST (SGST) department was promptly notified and informed of the facts uncovered during the joint operation.
Officials stated that timely sharing of information allowed the case to be processed under the relevant regulatory framework without delay. After completing necessary investigations and legal formalities on-site, the case was formally handed over to the SGST department for further inquiry.
The SGST department will conduct a detailed examination of the documents, review compliance with tax regulations, and determine whether any violations occurred concerning the consignment.
Authorities involved in the operation noted that the success of this operation was a result of timely intelligence and effective coordination among various agencies, enabling the swift interception and investigation of such a significant consignment.
The investigation is ongoing, and the SGST department is thoroughly examining potential irregularities in this entire matter.