ED, GST Intelligence Conduct Joint Search at Cardamom Warehouse Linked to DMK Functionary

A coordinated inspection was carried out on Saturday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and GST (Intelligence Wing) teams from Chennai, Bengaluru and Kerala at a warehouse believed to be operated by a cardamom merchant on the Bodi–Bodimettu stretch.

According to sources, the business is associated with Shankar, a DMK functionary and serving ward councillor in the Bodi Municipality, who has reportedly been active in large-scale cardamom trading.

Prior Visit Triggered Action

Officials had earlier visited a cardamom establishment in Sethukuzhi, Kerala, on December 4. During that verification, certain financial and stock movement records led the team to cross-check documents at Shankar’s office in Bodi.
Although officers refrained from disclosing the precise nature of discrepancies, insiders indicated that the trading network may have recorded sales close to ₹1,200 crore over the last seven months. The magnitude of turnover allegedly prompted authorities to conduct a detailed document audit at the Bodi godown.

Focus on Tax Compliance

Sources privy to the development stated that the operation was aimed at examining whether all trading transactions complied with statutory tax requirements, including GST documentation, stock movement records, and payment of applicable duties.

“The verification is centred on assessing whether every consignment and transaction reflected proper documentation and tax payment,” an official source revealed.

Security Deployment and Duration

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were deployed to support enforcement teams during the inspection, citing the sensitivity of the operation. The search reportedly continued for over five hours, with officials collecting invoices, ledger details, transport documentation and electronic data.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any irregularities were formally recorded or if further summons or seizures will follow. However, officials indicated that the inquiry will continue based on the evidentiary material gathered.

Further updates from enforcement agencies are awaited.