Hotel pays 28L as tax defaulters face action

Bhopal: A hotel in Ward No 84 became the centerpiece of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) latest property tax drive, with officials securing a massive Rs 28 lakh recovery.The establishment deposited Rs 20 lakh on the spot to avoid attachment proceedings and promised to clear the remaining Rs 8 lakh in the Lok Adalat, according to a press release here on Tuesday. The action was part of a citywide campaign against tax defaulters. In Ward No 8, property was attached for arrears of over Rs 4.6 lakh, while in Ward No 80, assets were seized against multiple defaulters with dues ranging from Rs 1.3 lakh to nearly Rs 8 lakh.BMC commissioner Sanskriti Jain directed the enforcement, which followed repeated notices and billing. With continued default, lockout proceedings were initiated.Officials said the BMC's aggressive drive is aimed at sending a clear message, tax dues will not be allowed to pile up unchecked. The campaign is expected to continue across Bhopal in the coming weeks, targeting both property tax and water arrears.