In a significant development, the Kerala State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) department has made another arrest under Operation Palm Tree, a crackdown initiated on May 23 targeting the metal scrap trade. The operation has uncovered a massive tax evasion worth Rs209 crore.
The latest individual to be arrested is Usman Pullakkal, who is allegedly the kingpin of a metal scrap trade cartel based in Palakkad. Pullakkal stands accused of evading taxes to the tune of approximately Rs16 crore. The authorities arrested him in Kochi, where he was reportedly hiding.
Pullakkal’s arrest follows a series of operations targeting scrap dealers suspected of manipulating GST filings to evade taxes. The SGST department is actively pursuing the larger network involved in the illegal trade, which has resulted in substantial financial losses for the state.
This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of the Kerala government to curb tax fraud and ensure compliance within the scrap trade sector.
