Shops in Parry's Corner, Sowcarpet roll down shutters over harassment by GST officials

CHENNAI: Hundreds of traders across Parry's Corner, Sowcarpet, Park Town and Ritchie Street downed shutters on Saturday in a one-day strike, alleging harassment by Goods and Services Tax (GST) officials during inspections. They demanded action against what they described as coercive enforcement practices.

The protest comes a day after merchants in Park Town detained five GST officials over allegations that they had demanded bribes during an inspection. The police later intervened and secured the officials' release. Following the incident, merchant associations have called for a one-day bandh.

"GST officials for long had been carrying out raids in an intimidating manner. They demand bribes; if not budging, they will threaten businesses with hefty tax," said Junaith, an electronic shop owner in Ritchie Street.

A pooja shop owner vented their frustrations, "The situation has got out of hand in recent years. They will turn off CCTVs. We are businessmen and we have dignity. If there are any evasions, we will pay a fine. But harassing us will not be tolerated. I won't be paying bribes anymore." They further claimed that officials had entered residential portions attached to commercial establishments and intimidated people.

The bandh saw shops remain closed across several key wholesale and trading hubs, including Sowcarpet, Parrys Corner, Park Town and Ritchie Street, affecting business activity for the day. Individual shop owners and members of various merchant associations participated in the shutdown. They maintained that inspections should be carried out only after verifying records and that any unpaid GST or penalties should be collected strictly in accordance with the law. They also sought protection to prevent officials from entering residential areas attached to commercial premises unless legally warranted.