Adani Wilmar denies reports of GST raid on Parwanoo unit in HP; says 'no irregularities found', company not required to pay tax in cash

An Adani Wilmar spokesperson said: “We would like to emphasise that this was a routine inspection carried out by the relevant authorities and there was no raid as previously stated or reported in the media.”

According to reports, the state department officials inspected the carrying and forward (C&F) unit of Adani Wilmar company based in Solan.

The spokesperson said: “One of Adani Wilmar’s depot warehouse at Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh was visited by GST officials yesterday evening. The staff extended their support during this routine inspection, fully cooperating with the officials and local authorities."

As per initial information, the inspection was carried out after the company failed to deposit GST collection for multiple years, Indian Express reported.

According to the report, the action came a day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling BJP in Parliament of having “close ties with the Adani Group”.

The report said citing officials that the unit’s documents and other goods in the facility were inspected, adding that they will prepare a report following which the next course of action will be decided.

In the statement, the Adani Wilmar spokesperson said: “The officials did not find any irregularities in the operations and dealings conducted by the company. We would like to clarify that the concerns specific to GST payments in cash, citing GST law under Rule 86B, the company is not required to pay tax liability in cash.”

The spokesperson further said, “We are committed to conducting business in a responsible and transparent manner, and all our operations are in full compliance with relevant laws and regulations."

“We would like to mention that the depot operations are functioning normally after the visit,” the spokesperson added.

It is worth noting that Adani Group is in the midst of a standoff with truck operators after the firm shut down two cement plants following the change in freight rates.

Adani Wilmar is a 50:50 joint venture between Adani Group and Singapore-based Wilmar with Fortune Oil one of its flagship products.