Traders miffed with govt’s tax collection overdrive

Tax officials in Bengaluru are facing backlash from traders who accuse them of harassment and undue pressure. Liquor traders have formally complained to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, claiming corruption within the department. Siddaramaiah has ordered an investigation into the matter. Tax officials have been cracking down on traders to meet revenue collection targets, but traders argue that they are being forced to buy more stock than necessary. Other traders in the retail and FMCG sectors have also complained about commercial tax officials. The tax department insists it is only targeting defaulters.