New Delhi, July 25 -- The authorities have detected 61 cases of tax evasion by dealers of tobacco products such as gutka, cigarettes and pan masala across the country, amounting to Rs.104.38 crore till June this financial year.

The information was provided to the Lok Sabha on Friday in response to a question on whether the government has assessed the extent of tax evasion, illicit trade and unregulated manufacturing in the Zarda sector.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav stated that the Department of Revenue has informed that the illegal trade of tobacco products is a clandestine activity, making it difficult to accurately estimate the loss of revenue.

However, Jadhav's reply confirmed that "Central Goods...