In a major enforcement operation, police and GST officials carried out extensive raids on tour and travel offices operating along the Puri sea beach in Odisha on Tuesday. The drive was launched amid complaints of overcharging tourists and suspected tax evasion by local travel agencies.
The joint operation involved teams from the GST department and the Sea Beach Police, covering several stretches of the Puri sea beach and areas within the municipal limits. Officials verified whether tour and travel agencies were operating with valid trade licences and complying with Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations.
During the inspection, officials scrutinised the rates charged to tourists for trips to popular destinations such as Bhubaneswar, Konark, Satapada, Lingaraj Temple, and Nandankanan Zoological Park. Agencies were also checked for proper issuance of receipts and adherence to approved tariffs.
More than 60 tour and travel offices were inspected from the Puri sea beach to the Lighthouse sea beach and nearby areas. Following the raids, several agencies reportedly shut their offices.
Police officials said agencies found operating without valid trade licences were warned to apply immediately, failing which their offices could be sealed. The Inspector-in-Charge of the Puri Sea Beach Police Station confirmed that 18 agencies were inspected within their jurisdiction, of which 13 were found to be operating without valid licences.
Authorities stated that the inspection drive will continue in the coming days to ensure regulatory compliance and protect tourists from exploitation.
