Assam GST intensifies probe into Rs 25 crore fake ITC scam, searches key premises in Baksa's Barama

The investigation into the alleged Rs 25 crore fake Input Tax Credit (ITC) scam in Assam gathered momentum on Thursday, July 23 after officials of the GST Intelligence and Enforcement Unit (GIEU) conducted an intensive search operation at a timber shop owned by the prime accused, Trishna Barman, in Barazar under Barama in Baksa district.

The search forms part of the ongoing investigation into an alleged fake invoicing racket that authorities believe facilitated the fraudulent circulation of input tax credit through a network of shell entities. Officials said the operation was aimed at gathering documentary and material evidence linked to the alleged tax fraud.

Meanwhile, Trishna Barman's brother, Surajit Barman, who has been identified as an alleged accomplice in the case, remains absconding. Another alleged associate, identified as Shubrajit, is also on the run. Officials said efforts are underway to trace and apprehend both suspects as the investigation progresses.

The case came to light after the Assam GST Intelligence and Enforcement Unit arrested Trishna Barman from Siliguri in West Bengal in connection with the alleged fake ITC racket valued at nearly ₹25 crore. Investigators said she had been evading arrest for several days by frequently changing locations before she was traced to a hotel in Siliguri following a three-day search operation based on specific intelligence inputs.

A native of Barama in Assam's Baksa district, Barman is an MBA graduate from Bengaluru and is alleged to have operated multiple shell entities that generated fake GST invoices to fraudulently claim and circulate input tax credit. The arrest operation was carried out by the GIEU, Assam, with support from the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police under the leadership of officer Monuj Kr Dowari.

Following her arrest, Barman was produced before a court in West Bengal for transit remand and is being brought to Guwahati for further investigation.

Officials described the arrest as a significant milestone, noting that it marks the first instance of the Assam State GST Department arresting an accused outside the state in connection with a GST fraud case.

Investigators said the probe is continuing to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify others linked to the network. Authorities believe additional individuals connected to the fake invoicing and shell company operations may come under the scanner as the investigation advances. At present, the alleged fraud network and the roles of all suspected individuals remain under investigation, with officials continuing to examine financial records and other evidence seized during the operation.