In the ongoing investigation into the multi-crore GST scam, names of 35 accused have come up, which also includes the name of Siddharth Barad, nephew of BJP MLA Bhaga Barad.

The crime branch has asked for the help of local police to nab the accused, who are all on the run.

More than 30 chartered accountants undertaking the audit for around 200 firms across Gujarat including Ahmedabad, are also under suspicion in the case. The crime branch sources also believe that the number of suspects in the case are likely to increase in coming days.

The crime branch has questioned more than 30 people practising as chartered accountants in cities including Nadiad, Bhavnagar, and Junagadh.

The accused used to audit and authenticate the entries of fake bills and other vouchers knowing they were for shell companies, in exchange of money.

Earlier, Ahmedabad Crime Branch had conducted raids at 14 locations across Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Surat, Kheda, and Bhavnagar, based on complaints related to GST fraud. During these operations, crucial documents were seized, that led to the exposure of over 200 shell  companies that were allegedly created for the purpose of committing tax fraud worth crores.

The operation had led to the arrest of a few individuals, including a journalist, and authorities have detained over 33 operators linked to the establishment of 12 shell firms.

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