Centre orders probe into Tamil Nadu-based cargo firm Wintrack Inc’s charges against Chennai Customs

In a statement, the ministry confirmed it had “taken cognizance of the matter raised by M/s Wintrack Inc (Chennai)” and directed the Department of Revenue (DoR) to carry out a “fair, transparent, and fact-based inquiry.”

A senior officer from the DoR has been assigned to lead the probe, which will include hearing the parties involved, questioning officials, and reviewing relevant records.

The ministry underlined that the issue was being treated with “utmost seriousness” and assured it was “committed to taking appropriate and expeditious action in accordance with the law.”

It also pointed to recent reforms aimed at making trade processes more business-friendly, such as the Taxpayer Charter, faceless customs systems, and the creation of new appellate mechanisms.

"The Government is committed to enhancing ease of doing business,” it reiterated.

Wintrack Inc announced earlier this week on X that it would close its import-export business in India from October 1, alleging “relentless harassment” by customs authorities in Chennai.

Its founder, Prawin Ganeshan, said the firm had been victimised after it twice exposed demands for bribes this year, which left the business “crippled and destroyed.” In his post, widely shared on social media, he added: “In India, there’s no ease of business, only corruption at every level of governance.”

Ganeshan further alleged that his wife’s company was coerced into paying over Rs 2.1 lakh in bribes for a shipment valued at USD 6,993, claiming officials even offered a 10 per cent “discount” while negotiating.

The charges have sparked sharp criticism from both political and corporate leaders.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor called the case “truly dismaying,” remarking that corruption continued to be widespread.

“Most companies simply comply as part of the ‘price of doing business.’ It doesn’t have to be this way,” he said.

Mohandas Pai, chairman of Aarin Capital and former Infosys CFO, also drew attention to the allegations, tagging Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his post urging urgent action.