GST officials, Police raid tour and travel offices along Puri sea beach to check licence and tax compliance

In a major enforcement drive, police and GST officials conducted large-scale raids on tour and travel offices operating along the sea beach in Odisha’s Puri district on Tuesday to verify compliance with licensing norms and tax regulations, amid concerns over alleged overcharging of tourists and possible tax evasion.

The coordinated operation was carried out by teams from the GST department and the Sea Beach Police, covering multiple stretches of the Puri sea beach and areas within the municipal limits.

According to sources, the raids were aimed at verifying whether tour and travel agencies had obtained valid trade licences as mandated under the law. Officials also examined whether the agencies were depositing Goods and Services Tax (GST) as per rules or indulging in tax evasion. A detailed GST inspection was underway at the time of reporting.

Rates Charged to Tourists Under Scrutiny

Officials checked whether tourists were being charged amounts higher than the prescribed rates for sightseeing trips to Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Satapada, and whether bookings were being made as per approved tariffs. The inspection also focused on whether agencies were issuing proper receipts to tourists for services rendered.

Tourists visiting Puri often travel to nearby destinations such as the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Satapada, and Konark, and commonly rely on local tour and travel agencies for transportation.

Over 60 Offices Raided

More than 60 tour and travel offices were inspected during the drive, covering areas from the Puri sea beach to the Lighthouse sea beach and other nearby stretches. Following the commencement of the raids, several agencies reportedly shut down their offices.

Agencies found operating without valid trade licences were warned to apply immediately, failing which their offices could be sealed.

Police Statement

Police personnel from Baliapanda Police Station, Chankratirtha Police Outpost, and other units participated in the operation. The Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of the Puri Sea Beach Police Station said that 18 tour and travel agencies within their jurisdiction were inspected, and 13 were found to be operating without valid licences.

Authorities said the inspection drive will continue in the coming days as part of efforts to ensure regulatory compliance and protect tourists from overcharging.