The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a stenographer posted with the Income Tax Department in Chennai for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹1.50 lakh from a taxpayer in exchange for manipulating official records to wipe out outstanding tax dues.
The arrest was made on February 3, 2026, following a trap operation conducted by the CBI. The agency said the case was registered a day earlier, on February 2, 2026, after receiving a complaint alleging demand of illegal gratification by the accused.
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Bribe demanded to “nullify” ₹19 lakh tax liability
According to the CBI, the accused demanded 10 per cent of the pending Income Tax demand amounting to ₹19 lakh relating to Assessment Year 2020–21. In return, the stenographer allegedly assured the complainant that the outstanding tax liability would be “nullified” or reduced to zero through official channels.
The agency said the accused repeatedly pressured the complainant to pay the bribe and fixed the amount at ₹1.50 lakh as illegal gratification.
CBI lays trap, recovers bribe money
After verifying the allegations, the CBI laid a carefully planned trap. During the operation, the accused was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount from the complainant.
The entire sum of ₹1.50 lakh was recovered from the possession of the accused during the trap proceedings. CBI officials said all procedural formalities were followed and the recovery was duly documented.
Searches at residence yield incriminating material
Following the arrest, the CBI conducted searches at the residential premises of the accused. These searches led to the recovery of incriminating documents, which have been seized for further examination.
Officials said the documents are being scrutinised to ascertain whether the accused was involved in similar acts of corruption in other cases or if there was a larger network facilitating such illegal activities within the department.
Produced before court, sent to judicial custody
The arrested stenographer was produced before the competent court in Chennai on February 3, 2026. The court subsequently remanded the accused to judicial custody.
CBI officials said further custodial interrogation was not sought at this stage, but the investigation remains open to examine additional aspects of the case.
Probe to examine wider corruption angle
The CBI has stated that the investigation is ongoing. The agency is examining whether other officials or intermediaries were involved in the alleged bribery attempt and whether similar demands were made to other taxpayers.
Officials are also looking into whether internal systems were misused or compromised to facilitate the promised manipulation of tax records.
The agency reiterated that it remains committed to taking strict action against corruption in public offices and urged citizens to report any demand for illegal gratification.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
