GST Raid Uncovers ₹3 Crore from Agarwal Dhaba Owner in Jalandhar

Major tax evasion case emerges as department seizes cash, documents in unprecedented action

Jalandhar, November 19, 2025 — In what is being described as one of the most significant tax enforcement actions in the city, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) department on Tuesday recovered approximately ₹3 crore in cash during a raid at the residence and office of the owner of Agarwal Dhaba.

The operation, conducted by the GST enforcement team, also led to the seizure of crucial documents, financial records, and several suspicious bills that are now under detailed scrutiny.

Unprecedented Recovery

This marks the first time such a substantial amount has been recovered from a local dhaba owner in Jalandhar, making it a landmark case in the region’s hospitality sector. The sheer scale of the cash recovery has raised serious questions about potential underreporting of income and systematic tax evasion.

Investigation Underway

Department officials have classified this as a major tax evasion case and announced plans for a comprehensive investigation into the dhaba owner’s tax compliance over the past several years. The seized documents and bills are currently being analysed to establish the extent of potential tax fraud.

“This is a significant discovery, and we are conducting a thorough examination of all financial records,” a source within the department said, requesting anonymity. “The investigation will cover multiple years of tax activities to determine the full scope of the alleged evasion.”

Growing Scrutiny

The raid has become the talk of the town, with local business communities watching closely as the investigation unfolds. Tax authorities have intensified their crackdown on businesses suspected of evading GST obligations, particularly in the restaurant and hospitality sector where cash transactions remain prevalent.

The case is expected to set a precedent for similar enforcement actions in the region. Further details are likely to emerge as the investigation progresses and officials complete their analysis of the seized materials.