GST department's inspection at a shop near Shastri Chowk's Sehdev Market in Jalandhar led to a dramatic protest by traders on Friday. Tranders started protesting after GST officials conducted a surprise check at Khalsa Sales Agency, triggering anger among local shopkeepers who alleged high-handed behavior by the tax department.
Following the GST inspection, several shopkeepers closed their shops and gathered in protest, raising slogans against the GST department. They claimed that sudden inspections without prior notice are disrupting business and creating unnecessary panic in the market.
Speaking to the media, the owner of Khalsa Sales Agency said, “The GST officials came without any warning and began checking our stock. Now our goods are seized, and we are being stopped from doing business. If we can’t run our shops, how are we expected to pay taxes?”
On the other hand, a GST official clarified that the inspection was based on specific intelligence and no undue pressure was applied. “We received inputs about possible tax discrepancies at the premises. Our team was simply conducting a routine check. If violations are found, appropriate legal steps will be taken,” the official stated.
The president of the Sehdev Market Association urged authorities to handle such cases with better communication. “If a trader is at fault, they should be called to the department first. Surprise raids unsettle the market and harm trust. We appeal to senior officials to ensure such inspections are conducted with prior notice,” he said.
The situation returned to normal later in the day, but traders have demanded a meeting with GST officials to discuss procedural transparency and prevent such standoffs in the future.