Sukhu government Excise wing knocked at Adani group

Himachal Pradesh Government led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu feeling pinch of unilateral closure of two cement plants in Himachal Pradesh now knocked on the door of Adani stores smelling alleged irregularities in its taxation payment. State government seemed to decide to twist the arms of Adani conglomerate and sisters concern. By virtue of meteoric rise of Adani group in Himachal Pradesh from apple retailers to Adani Cement Sukhu government have worked out various segments where biggest industrial house could not run away from Government wrath. It has been learnt that mining leases was being extended to Adani Cement after acquisition of India’s second biggest Cement plants but company is not using the mining fields leased out to plants rendering massive loss of royalty , Taxation and raw material for construction. Report arriving here said that State Excise and Taxation team on Wednesday raided the business establishments of Adani Group in Himachal Pradesh. These teams carried out search at Adani Wilmar Group stores in industrial area of Solan district. The team of South Enforcement Zone of Excise Department reached Adani’s store. The teams inspected the stock and godown and checked the relevant documents. It is being told that non-payment of Tax Liability in cash is suspicious in the investigation. The searching of incrementing documents in the godowns continued till late night. A total of 7 companies of Adani Group are working in Himachal. Apart from cold stores of fruits, Adani Group companies also supply grocery items on a large scale in the state. Along with civil supplies in the state, Adani Group also supplies goods to the police department. Most of the agreements with Adani Group for supply of goods to government departments were done during the previous BJP government. After the change of power in Himachal, the relations between the current Congress government and Adani Group are not going very well. Adani Group has closed its operations in Himachal for two months due to the ongoing dispute with truck operators over freight charges. Production has been stopped in both the cement plants. The state government headed by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has made several attempts to mediate between the two sides, but no solution has been found to the dispute as both sides are adamant on their respective stand. The CM has said that due to the obstinate attitude of the Adani Group, the dispute could not be resolved. Himachal Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan has also said that the state government is taking legal opinion for action against Adani Group. It has been learnt that state government has tight the noose to built pressure on the cement plants management to negotiate with truckers.