The Telangana government’s Legal Metrology Department has made serious note on GST violations across the city of Hyderabad and conducted a series of raids on Thursday.

“Legal Metrology conducted raids on some business and commercial institutions on receiving complaints that they are selling some products at same old prices even after central government reduced Goods and Services Tax (GST),” a press note stated.

The department pointed out that the central government had recently reduced GST on some products from 28% to 18% while lifting GST totally on some other products.

However, the department said that these benefits were not reaching consumers as some traders and showrooms were selling the products at same old prices.

“Based on several complaints, Legal Metrology Department formed 18 groups with 36 members and conducted raids in the Greater Hyderabad region. During these checks 62 cases were booked.

Controller for Legal Metrology Akun Sabharwal said, “Central government reduced GST on some products, but these benefits are not reaching the consumers. There were several complaints that the traders are selling the goods at old price.”

Akun also instructed Legal Metrology Officials to check if the products are sold according the new price after deduction of GST. He said that if anyone was found selling at an old price, they would be punished severely.

Some of the areas where checks were conducted included Reliance Digital in Banjara Hills, Big Bazar and Bata Showroom in Tarnaka, Reliance Mart in Madhapur, Sha Electronics and Yash Electronics in Malkajgiri; Asian Electronics in Panjagutta, Bajaj Home Appliances in Saroornagar, Lot Mobiles in Madhapur, Sangeeta Mobiles and Big C Mobiles in Miyapur, Metro and Mochi in Abids.

The team also conducted checks in hardware and electronic stores to ensure that all rules were being followed. After all the business premises were checked, 62 cases were booked, officials said.