The commission or any commissioner or person authorized by the commission in writing, under its seal to make such examination, shall have the right at all times to inspect the books, papers and records of all such companies and common carriers doing business in this state relating to any matter pending before, or being investigated by, the commission. Any officer, agent or employe [employee] of any such company or corporation, or any person, in charge of such books, papers and records, who shall refuse to permit such examination, or who shall conceal, destroy or mutilate, or attempt to conceal, destroy or mutilate any such books, papers or records, or remove the same beyond the limits of the state for the purpose of preventing such examination shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof may be fined not to exceed five hundred dollars [($500)] or imprisoned in the county jail not more than six months.