The Vigilance and Enforcement Department has registered the highest number of tax evasion cases in the district, grossing up to tune of Rs.360 crore in 2018 when compared to the Rs.340 crore last year.

According to Vigilance and Enforcement SP D.Koteswara Rao, this has been the highest figure ever registered in the last few years.

"The realisation was also the highest in the recent times, with a net realisation of Rs.112 crore when compared to Rs.100 crore of last year," he said.

The tax evasion cases spread over various heads such as GVMC taxes, bulk water taxes, professional taxes and labour cess.

"In a first, the department has booked 12 criminal cases against PDS shop owners for violation of norms. In total, we have booked 87 cases against PDS shop owners and seized over 450 MT of rice," Mr.Koteswara Rao said.

The department has booked 20 cases against restaurants for selling adulterated food and maintaining un-hygenic kitchens.

"This apart, we have booked cases against 10 centres for artificially ripening of fruits by using harmful chemicals, 23 anganwadis, nine PHCs and five rythu bazaars. Around 20 cases have been booked for illegal quarrying and a fine of Rs. 1.65 crore has been slapped. We have realised close to Rs.50 lakh thus far," he added.