Jaipur Court Grants Bail to Ghasi Lal Chaudhary in ₹700 Crore GST Evasion Case
Jaipur, Rajasthan – The Special Economic Offence Court in Jaipur has granted bail to Ghasi Lal Chaudhary, one of the key accused in an alleged ₹700 crore GST evasion case. The court, presided over by Judge Sunil Kumar Meena, had reserved its decision on February 27, 2025, before delivering the bail order on February 28.
Massive GST Fraud Uncovered
The case stems from an investigation by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), Jaipur, which unearthed a large-scale tax evasion scheme. According to officials, a network of individuals was involved in dodging GST payments, leading to significant financial losses for the government. The investigation led to a series of raids conducted at 15 locations across Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Bhilwara, Udaipur, and Sikar. During these operations, evidence of fraudulent transactions amounting to ₹700 crore was seized.
Authorities discovered records indicating that approximately 13 lakh tons of iron and steel goods had been supplied without proper tax documentation. The estimated market value of these goods is ₹4,000 crore, making this one of the largest GST fraud cases uncovered in the region.
Arrests and Legal Battle
Following the crackdown, the DGGI arrested seven individuals on February 19, 2025, from different locations in Rajasthan. Among them were Ghasi Lal Chaudhary from Jaipur, Kesardev Sharma, and scrap dealer Arun Jindal. These arrests marked a significant step in the ongoing investigation.
During the bail hearing, Advocate Sumit Gehlot, representing Ghasi Lal Chaudhary, argued that his client had been wrongfully accused. He stated that no incriminating evidence was found during the raids conducted at Chaudhary’s office and residence. The defense emphasized that Chaudhary was being implicated without substantial proof, warranting his release on bail.
After reviewing the arguments and available evidence, the court ruled in favor of granting bail to Chaudhary, providing temporary relief to the accused.
Implications of the Case
The ₹700 crore GST evasion case has drawn significant attention due to its scale and impact on tax compliance in the country. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities closely examining financial records and transactions linked to the accused. While Chaudhary has secured bail, other individuals arrested in connection with the case continue to face legal proceedings.
As DGGI deepens its probe, this case highlights the growing challenges in tackling large-scale tax fraud and the need for stricter enforcement mechanisms to prevent revenue losses to the exchequer.
