GST officials rounded up by traders in Chennai’s Sowcarpet

A team of Goods and Services Tax (GST) officials was rescued by the Chennai Police on Thursday (July 30, 2026) night after they were allegedly held inside a stainless steel outlet by a large group of traders during an inspection at Sowcarpet.The officials were later escorted under police protection to the Elephant Gate Police Station, where a complaint was lodged. Based on the complaint, police launched a search for the traders and shop owners who are involved in the incident.Police said the inspection team, headed by GST Superintendent Nishanth and comprising Inspectors Azeez, Sushil and three other officers, began checking the records of Mahipal Stainless on Mint Street around 4 p.m.As the inspection progressed, around 300 members of the Steel Market Association assembled outside the premises around 7 p.m., preventing the officials from leaving the shop.Traders object to GST inspectionsThe traders reportedly protested the inspection, alleging that it was being conducted unlawfully. They insisted that senior GST officials, including the Commissioner, visit the location and clarify the reasons for the inspection before permitting the team to leave.With the officials unable to exit the premises, the GST team alerted the police for assistance. Personnel from the Elephant Gate Police Station initially tried to defuse the situation through discussions with the protesting traders.After negotiations failed to produce a breakthrough, a senior police officer reached the spot around 8 p.m. and held fresh talks with representatives of the traders. Following the intervention, the GST officials were allowed to leave and were taken safely to the police station.Based on the complaint filed by the GST department, the Elephant Gate Police registered an inquiry into the incident and detained at least six persons for questioning. Published - July 31, 2026 05:39 pm IST