Rayagada:Raw materials for preparation of gutka has been seized on Nagabali bridge in JKPur under Rayagada district today.Officials of GST Department under the Rayagada Division on a tip off has intercepted a pick-up van.During search 30 bags containing fennel seeds (Pan Madhuri), areca nut (Gua), and slaked lime (chuna)—commonly used in gutka production,has been found.Even the vehicle driver produced invoice,which during verification found manipulated.The vehicle with the good left from Berhampur to Koraput.Preliminary findings suggest the goods were being transported at prices nearly five times higher than those stated in the invoice.The raw materials estimated at an cost of over Rs ten lakhs has been seized informed GST,Addl Commissioner,Niharika jhankar.Further investigation is underway to identify the persons and entities involved in the attempted tax evasion.
