Trader Fined ₹42,000 After 2-kg Silver Bar Found Without Bill at Meerut Rapid Train Station

Meerut:A trader faced financial trouble after a routine security check at the South Rapid Train Station in Meerut led to the recovery of a 2-kilogram silver bar from his bag, for which he failed to produce a valid purchase invoice. The State Tax Department imposed a penalty of ₹42,000, citing violation of GST transportation norms.

The incident occurred on Monday evening, when security personnel noticed a silver bar during baggage screening and stopped the trader for verification. As the trader could not produce a proper bill or tax documents related to the silver, the matter was immediately reported to the State Tax Department.

Silver Worth Around ₹6 Lakh

Officials said the recovered silver bar weighed approximately two kilograms and was valued at nearly ₹6 lakh, amid soaring silver prices. The trader informed authorities that he had purchased the silver from a jewellery showroom in Meerut and was travelling to Modinagar. He claimed that although payment was made through cheque, a proper invoice could not be issued as the market was closed.

State Tax Department Takes Action

A mobile squad of the State Tax Department reached the station, seized the silver bar, verified its weight, and sought documents related to purchase and GST payment. Since silver attracts 3% GST, officials noted that transporting goods without a valid invoice attracts a penalty equivalent to double the applicable tax.

Intervention by Bullion Traders’ Association

The trader contacted Meerut Bullion Traders Association General Secretary Vijay Anand Agrawal, who later spoke to senior tax officials, including Additional Commissioner (Grade-2), Sushil Kumar Singh, explaining that the transaction was genuine and payment had been made through banking channels.

Penalty Paid, Silver Released

After verification, the department imposed a ₹42,000 penalty, calculated as double the applicable GST, which was paid on the spot. Following payment, the silver bar was released to the trader.

Confirming the action, Additional Commissioner Sushil Kumar Singh said the department acted strictly as per rules and such checks are conducted to prevent tax evasion. He added that once facts are clarified and statutory dues are paid, goods are released in accordance with the law.