The State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) department on Thursday launched simultaneous search and inspection operations at premises of 13 tour operators in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara and Surat. The tour operators were raids took place in Ahmedabad are: Akbari Tours, Atlanta World Travels Inc, Kaki Forex Enterprise Pvt Ltd, Kakivala Tours & Travels, Kshitij Tours & Trade Fairs Pvt Ltd, CK Associates Travel Services & Group, Cox & Kings & Group, Flamingo Transworld Pvt Ltd, Razak & Sons, Thomas Cook India Ltd.

Two premises each of Akshar Travels Pvt Ltd and Hina Tours and Travels were raided in Ahmedabad as well as Surat. Premises of Kesavi Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd were raided in Rajkot and Vadodara. The department had been investigating workings of the service industry for some time now and especially, those of tour operators. After primary investigation, the raids were held on Thursday and were set to continue into the night. Officials said the firms were under suspicion of evading tax due to the government, thereby causing loss to the exchequer.

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