The Ministry of Finance on Thursday said it has taken note of the allegations made by Tamil Nadu-based logistics firm Wintrack Inc against Chennai Customs and has ordered a fact-based inquiry into the matter. The mport form claimed that it was forced to shut down operations following harassment by Chennai Customs.
“The Government has taken cognizance of the matter raised by M/s Wintrack Inc (Chennai),” the ministry said in a statement. It added that the Department of Revenue (DoR) has been asked to undertake a “fair, transparent, and fact-based inquiry” into the issue.
According to the ministry, a senior officer from the DoR has been deputed to conduct a detailed factual probe, which will include hearing all parties concerned, examining officials, and reviewing relevant documentary evidence.
The government stressed that the matter is being dealt with “utmost seriousness” and that it is “committed to taking appropriate and expeditious action in accordance with the law.”
The ministry also underlined recent reforms aimed at easing business processes for taxpayers and traders. These include the adoption of the Taxpayer Charter, faceless customs procedures, and new appellate bodies for dispute resolution. “The Government is committed to enhancing ease of doing business,” it reiterated.
The statement comes days after Wintrack Inc announced on X (formerly Twitter) that it would shut down its India import-export operations from October 1, alleging “relentless harassment” by Chennai Customs officials.
The company’s founder, Prawin Ganeshan, alleged his firm faced retaliation after exposing bribery demands twice this year, leaving its business “crippled and destroyed.” In a widely shared post, he wrote: “In India, there’s no ease of business, only corruption at every level of governance.”
Ganeshan also claimed his wife’s company was forced to pay over Rs 2.1 lakh in bribes for a shipment worth USD 6,993, alleging that officials even offered a 10 per cent “discount” during negotiations.
The allegations drew political and corporate reactions. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called the situation “truly dismaying,” saying corruption remained rampant and adding, “Most companies simply comply as part of the ‘price of doing business.’ It doesn’t have to be this way.” Mohandas Pai, chairman of Aarin Capital and former Infosys CFO, also flagged the issue, tagging Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urging them to act.
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