Sowcarpet traders confine GST inspection team; Chennai cops rush to rescue officials

CHENNAI: A team of Goods and Services Tax (GST) officials, who were confined inside a stainless steel shop by a group of traders during an inspection on Mint Street in Sowcarpet on Thursday evening, was rescued by the Chennai police.

After bringing them out of the shop, the police escorted the GST officials to the Elephant Gate station, and based on a complaint filed by the GST department, a search was launched for those involved in the incident.

According to the police, the inspection began around 4 pm at Mahipal Stainless on Mint Street. The team was led by GST Superintendent Nishanth, and included Inspectors Azeez, Sushil and three other officials.

Around 7 pm, nearly 300 traders and members of the Steel Market Association gathered outside the premises and surrounded the officials. The traders objected to the inspection, alleging that the audit was illegal. They insisted that senior GST officials, including the Commissioner, visit the spot and explain the purpose of the inspection before the team would be allowed to leave.

As the officials were unable to leave the premises, they sought police assistance. Personnel from the Elephant Gate police station initially attempted to resolve the situation through negotiations with the traders.

When the initial discussions failed to yield a breakthrough, the Flower Bazaar Deputy Commissioner of Police reached the spot around 8 pm and held further talks with representatives of the traders. The GST officials were subsequently released and escorted safely to the Elephant Gate police station.

Based on the complaint lodged by the GST officials, the Elephant Gate police have registered an inquiry and detained at least six persons for questioning.