In a major crackdown, the Telangana Legal Metrology Department undertook a special drive across the state following complaints of misuse of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and fined over 1,000 outlets.

“As many as 1,062 cases have been booked till now and Rs 10.62 lakh penalty has been imposed. Charging GST on MRP, non GST items and selling at a higher rate have been reported in these raids. In last six days Legal, Metrology Department conducted more than 5,000 raids and made special and detailed checks in malls, multiplexes, star hotels, restaurants, bars, sweet houses and other business points,” Commissioner for Civil Supplies, Legal and Metrology Controller CV Anand told mediapersons.

“If anybody is caught charging GST over MRP, the penalty will be from Rs 2,000 to Rs 25,000. The penalty will be double if a person is caught and identified as a repeat offender," he added.

Raids took place at several prominent malls and multiplexes in Hyderabad as well, as several violators were identified.

Stating that 700 out of the 1,062 cases were booked in Hyderabad, reports add that cases were registered against Hyderabad Central, PVR Cinemas, KFC, McDonald's, Prasads Imax, Subway , Sujana Mall in Kukatpally, Blue Fox restaurant, Shanbagh hotel, Golkonda Hotel and Park Hotel.

In the last week of October, officials in Telangana issued a warning to manufacturers, packers and agents who were collecting GST above the MRP, for packaged goods.

“Customers should be made aware the inclusion of GST in MRP and it should not to be charged separately. It is illegal. Immediate action will be taken and they will be punished severely,” CV Anand had said.

The Telangana Legal Metrology Department also said that any consumers who felt that the rules were violated could lodge a complaint with a separate grievance cell on WhatsApp number  7330774444 or lodge a complaint through e-mail to clm-ts@nic.in.