The searches were carried out on the directions of State GST Secretary Mukesh Bansal. Teams from Raipur conducted simultaneous operations at offices, residences, plants and washeries belonging to the three firms. The raids began on the morning of December 12 and continued late into the night, focusing on transaction records and income details.
Following the scrutiny, Mahavir Coal Washery surrendered ₹10 crore. The next day, Feel Group deposited ₹11 crore, while Paras Coal Washery surrendered ₹6.5 crore, taking the total amount to ₹27.5 crore. Officials said Mahavir Coal Washery is linked to the family of actor Ankita Lokhande and her husband, businessman Vicky Jain.
Preliminary findings indicate alleged manipulation of input tax credit, particularly linked to coal mixing and related processes. Officials suspect that various methods were used to underreport tax liabilities. While GST officers refrained from making on-record statements during the operation, sources said the firms had been under direct GST surveillance for a considerable period.
According to officials, the businesses have commercial links across multiple states. A mismatch between the scale of operations and the tax paid reportedly triggered the decision to deploy the Raipur-based enforcement team for on-site searches in Bilaspur.
Authorities have collected detailed information on the purchase and sale of materials used in coal mixing. However, verification of quantities is still underway. Officials said the exact extent of tax evasion will be disclosed after physical and documentary reconciliation is completed.
The search operations continued for a second consecutive day on Saturday, December 13. Separate teams were deployed at all identified locations to examine fresh leads and documents. Late-night searches were also conducted at offices in Vyapar Vihar and Link Road, as well as at associated washeries and plants.
GST officials said further action will follow once the investigation is concluded and final figures are established.
