The city’s Central Crime Station (CCS) has arrested five GST officials in connection with an alleged refund fraud scheme. The arrested individuals include Peetala Swarna Kumar, deputy commissioner of the Nalgonda division; assistant commissioners Kelam Venu Gopal (Abids Circle) and Podila Viswa Kiran (Madhapur-1); Vemavarapu Venkata Ramana, deputy state tax officer (Madhapur-2); and Marri Mahitha, senior assistant (Madhapur-3).
Earlier arrests in this case included tax consultant Chiraag Sharma from New Delhi and three associates from Kadapa and Palnadu districts in Andhra Pradesh.
According to CCS DCP N. Swetha, the accused claimed to have initiated electric bike manufacturing units under various firm names, falsely collecting electricity bills from property owners in the twin cities. They registered these fake firms on the GST portal using fabricated rental agreements.
During interrogation, the officials revealed their conspiracy with Chiraag Sharma, creating fake invoices, e-way bills, and other documentation for non-existent companies. They allegedly filed GST refund claims after bribing state government GST officials.
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the fraud.