Balaji group hauled up for tax evasion

On the basis of prior intelligence, the anti-evasion wing of the central excise, Rajkot, raided the premises of Balaji Group at Metoda and Vad Vajdi.

After three days of extensive search operations, tax evasions to the tune of Rs 5.84 crore have been detected.

Balaji Multiflex, located at GIDC Lodhika Metoda, provides flexible packaging material to Balaji Wafers which is at Vad Vajdi and managed to clear goods without paying excise duty for the same, said officials.

"Balaji Multiflex supplies packaging material to Balaji Wafers and has not paid duty to the tune of approximately Rs.27.67 crore," said Ashok Mahida, additional commissioner of central excise, Rajkot.

The company, admitting its duty liability, has tendered a cheque for Rs 70 lakh towards the part payment of duty.

Simultaneously, the premises of Balaji Wafers, located at Vad Vajdi, which is engaged in manufacturing namkins and packed snack food, was also raided.

"Following our investigations, it was discovered that Balaji Wafers had also cleared goods worth Rs 20 crore without obtaining central excise registration and without payment of central excise duty, thus evading a duty to the tune of Rs 1.5 crore," said Mahida.