In a major development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a detailed chargesheet against two senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers—Joint Commissioner Rahul Kumar and Additional Commissioner Deepak Kumar Sharma—along with three CGST superintendents, in connection with a Rs. 60 lakh bribery case that has rocked the tax administration.
Bribery Allegations Linked to Illegal Detention
According to the investigation, the case stems from the unlawful overnight detention of a Goregaon-based businessman by CGST officials on September 4, 2024. The officials allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹80 lakh to release him, later settling for ₹60 lakh. The businessman was reportedly coerced into arranging ₹30 lakh through hawala channels for his immediate release, with the remaining sum to be paid later.
Senior IRS Officers Accused of Orchestrating the Deal
The businessman’s relative reached out to Rahul Kumar—who previously served at the same CGST office—for help. Kumar allegedly collaborated with Additional Commissioner Sharma to negotiate the bribe. Chartered Accountant Raj Aggarwal was roped in to facilitate the transaction.
CBI Sting Operation Uncovers Widespread Corruption
After his release, the businessman lodged a formal complaint with the CBI. Acting on the tip-off, the agency orchestrated a sting operation. During a meeting arranged under CBI supervision, Aggarwal was caught red-handed accepting ₹20 lakh. Follow-up investigations exposed a broader conspiracy involving CGST Superintendent Sachin Gokulka, who attempted to flee upon learning about the surveillance.
Supplementary Chargesheet Names Additional Officers
The CBI’s supplementary chargesheet has further implicated three more superintendents—Nitin Kumar Gupta, Nikhil Agrawal, and Bijendra Janawa—highlighting the depth of systemic corruption within the tax enforcement ranks.
Nationwide Attention on Tax Department Integrity
This high-profile bribery case has raised serious concerns about accountability and ethical conduct within the tax administration. With senior officers now under the scanner, the incident has reignited calls for stronger anti-corruption mechanisms within revenue and GST departments.
