A businessman from Jogighopa in Assam’s Bongaigaon district has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a large-scale fake GST challan racket linked to coal transportation. The accused, identified as Saddam Hussain of Bharal Kundibari village, had reportedly been collecting money under the guise of “entry fees” for overloaded coal-laden trucks.
According to sources, Saddam Hussain allegedly collected Rs 7,000 per vehicle, claiming it was on behalf of DTO offices in Bongaigaon, Chirang and other lower Assam districts. He is accused of issuing fake GST challans and facilitating the movement of overloaded coal trucks to various locations across Lower Assam.
Jogighopa Police apprehended the accused from his residence and have continued interrogations to uncover the full extent of the network. A police team led by the Additional Superintendent of Police also conducted a search operation at his house as part of the investigation.
Preliminary reports indicate that Hussain had opened fake GST accounts and had been supplying forged GST challans to coal traders, particularly in markets such as Beltola in Guwahati, Margherita and other coal hubs in the state.
Notably, Saddam Hussain had previously faced action two years ago for allegedly evading GST and was reportedly on the authorities’ radar.
