Rajkot Railway Police Seize Copper Worth ₹14.53 Lakh from Banaras–Okha Express, Probe Suspected GST Evasion

Rajkot Railway Police have seized 1,321 kg of copper worth ₹14.53 lakh from the parcel coach of the Banaras–Okha Express after finding the consignment without accompanying bills, raising suspicion of GST evasion.

The copper was transported from Varanasi to Rajkot through a cargo firm named Uday Cargo. Police have launched an investigation to identify the sender, intended recipient and the company's role in the shipment.

Copper Consignment Seized After Late-Night Inspection

Acting on a tip-off, Rajkot Railway Police inspected the consignment after it was unloaded from the train's parcel coach onto the railway platform late at night.

During the inspection, police questioned a person who arrived to collect the goods. The inquiry led to the discovery of the copper consignment, weighing 1,321.02 kg and valued at ₹14,53,900.

Police seized the material after finding that it was not accompanied by bills.

GST Department to Receive Investigation Report

PSI B.J. Jadeja, who is investigating the case, said preliminary findings indicated suspected GST evasion in the transportation of the copper.

The Railway Police are preparing a report to submit to the GST Department. They will also initiate the process of filing a formal complaint over the suspected tax evasion.

Uday Cargo's Role Under Scanner

Investigators are trying to establish who dispatched the copper from Varanasi and who was supposed to receive it in Rajkot.

Since the consignment was transported through Uday Cargo, police will also examine the firm's involvement and the documents related to the shipment.

Further investigation is underway.