Corruption
CBI Arrests Six Senior GST Officers and CA for Alleged Torture and Bribery of Businessman
Mumbai: In a major operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested six officials from the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Department, Mumbai West Commissionerate, along with two others, for accepting a bribe of Rs 20 lakhs. Among those arrested is a chartered accountant. These arrests came after the officials were caught in a trap set by the CBI during the transaction. The accused had initially demanded a hefty bribe of Rs 60 lakh, part of which, amounting to Rs 30 lakh, was paid via the hawala route.
Details of the Arrests and Charges
The CBI has filed charges against eight individuals, including six CGST officers and two others. The accused include Deepak Kumar Sharma (Assistant Commissioner), Sachin Gokulka (Joint Commissioner), Bijender Janawa, Nikhil Agarwal, Nitin Kumar Gupta, Rahul Kumar (Superintendents), Raj Agarwal (Chartered Accountant), and Abhishek Mehta (an associate). All these individuals have been implicated in the bribery scandal and have been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
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According to the complainant, who was held captive and harassed by the CGST officials, the events unfolded after he visited the CGST office in Santacruz on the evening of September 4, 2024. He alleged that he was illegally detained for an entire night at the CGST office and released only after 18 hours of confinement. The accused demanded a bribe in exchange for not arresting him, initially asking for Rs 80 lakhs but eventually settling for Rs 60 lakhs.
Allegations of Coercion and Harassment
The complainant has also claimed that during his unlawful detention, he was subjected to threats, coercion, and verbal abuse by the CGST officials. The officers allegedly used force and verbally abused him to extract the bribe. It is reported that the complainant was forced to call his cousin to arrange the demanded sum. He also stated that the CGST officials made it clear that he would be arrested if he failed to pay the amount.
Breakdown of the Incident
The CBI initiated its operation after receiving a formal complaint about the bribe demand. A trap was laid, and during the operation, the CBI officers caught the CGST officials red-handed while accepting Rs 20 lakhs as part of the bribe. The entire incident has shed light on widespread corruption within the department, involving senior officials who were using their position of power to exploit individuals and extort money.
CBI Action and Legal Proceedings
Following their arrest, the accused were presented before a special CBI court in Mumbai. The court has remanded them to CBI custody until September 10, 2024, for further investigation. The CBI has seized documents and evidence to strengthen the case against the accused.
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In addition to the monetary bribe, the CBI is also investigating the involvement of hawala operators in the transaction, as Rs 30 lakh was reportedly paid through this illegal channel. The role of other associates and intermediaries in facilitating this bribe is under scrutiny, and further arrests may be made as the investigation progresses.
Corruption in CGST Under the Scanner
This case has once again brought to light the rampant corruption within the CGST department, which is responsible for implementing GST laws and ensuring tax compliance. The involvement of senior officials in such corrupt practices raises serious concerns about the integrity of the department and the enforcement of tax laws. The CBI is expected to expand its investigation to uncover any additional instances of corruption involving these officials and their associates.
This high-profile arrest underscores the CBI’s commitment to cracking down on corruption and ensuring accountability within government agencies. The case will now proceed in court, with further evidence and witness testimonies to be presented in the coming days.