Was Bengal Businessman Jitendra Kumar Chaurasia Arrested for Rs 450 Crore GST Fraud?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Businessman Jitendra Kumar Chaurasia arrested for Rs 450 crore GST fraud.
- Fraud network extends from Jammu and Kashmir to Kolkata.
- Use of fake companies and documents to evade taxes.
- GST authorities are enhancing scrutiny to prevent future frauds.
- Judicial custody granted until November 26.
Kolkata, Nov 13 (NationPress) The Goods and Services Tax (GST) officials have apprehended a businessman named Jitendra Kumar Chaurasia for a fraud amounting to approximately Rs 450 crore, as confirmed by authorities on Thursday.
According to GST officials, the network involved in this fraud spans from Jammu and Kashmir to Kolkata.
It is alleged that this extensive fraud was executed by presenting fake documentation for two companies.
As per GST sources, the businessman claimed to be engaged in supplying nicotine-like substances.
Based on this claim, the activities of two of his companies were tracked.
The head of both businesses is none other than Jitendra Chaurasia.
Initially, he operated in Jammu and Kashmir.
The issue of GST evasion was first flagged from that region.
His GST license was subsequently revoked in that state.
However, authorities later permitted its reinstatement.
Following this, Jitendra shifted his operations to Kolkata.
Recently, the GST office in the Kasba area of Kolkata lodged a complaint against him.
It was alleged that the two companies through which his business was conducted are essentially shell companies.
Furthermore, it is alleged that numerous fake invoices, billing, and documents were generated under these companies to evade GST payments.
It was falsely represented that goods worth a significant sum were supplied through these companies.
False documents were produced to imply that GST money was deducted.
Between 2021 and 2025, a GST fraud of Rs 433.3 crore was perpetrated via one company, while another accounted for Rs 147.7 crore.
It is claimed that Jitendra misappropriated around Rs 450 crore from a total GST fraud exceeding Rs 580 crore.
GST authorities summoned him to their office on Tuesday.
Officials interrogated him, presenting his bank statements and other documentation.
It is alleged that funds were laundered through various other fake firms besides the two involved.
Unable to provide satisfactory explanations, he was subsequently arrested.
He appeared before the Alipore court on Wednesday.
His lawyer, Sanjay Dasgupta, filed a bail application, arguing that the GST authorities in Jammu and Kashmir initially revoked his license but later reinstated it.
He contended that the allegations from the Kolkata GST authorities were unfounded.
Opposing the bail plea, the GST authorities presented their arguments.
After considering both sides, the judge ordered the businessman to remain in judicial custody until November 26.
GST detectives are currently reviewing the documents seized from his company and conducting further investigations.