Massive GST Raid in Thrissur: 104 kg of Unaccounted Gold Seized by Officials in Kerala

In a surprise operation, the State GST (SGST) department conducted one of Kerala’s largest-ever raids on gold jewellers in Thrissur, seizing 108kg of gold linked to tax evasion. The raid, code-named ‘Torre del Oro,’ involved over 700 officers and targeted 73 locations, including godowns, manufacturing units, shops, and residences of 35 jewellers. The SGST officers were initially gathered under the pretence of attending a two-day training in Ernakulam and Thrissur. Upon reaching the locations, they were informed of the real mission and barred from using mobile phones to prevent information leaks. Four jewellers were immediately fined Rs 5.03 crore for GST evasion, with notices expected to be served to others involved. The Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association criticized the raid, accusing the SGST department of inflating the seizure figures and unfairly targeting registered jewellers who regularly file GST returns.