In a major anti-corruption operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Jabalpur unit, has arrested a Superintendent, Mukesh Varman and Inspector Sachin Kant of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) department for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹4 lakh. The arrests were made after the officials were reportedly caught red-handed during a carefully planned trap laid by the agency.
According to officials familiar with the case, the CBI action followed a complaint lodged by a hotel businessman. The complainant alleged that the CGST officials had demanded illegal gratification in connection with scrutiny proceedings relating to his business transactions. It was alleged that the officers threatened to raise a substantial tax demand unless the bribe was paid.
The complaint stated that the officials initially demanded a bribe of ₹1 crore after allegedly indicating discrepancies during scrutiny of hotel-related transactions. Following negotiations, the demand was reportedly reduced, and the bribe amount was settled at ₹4 lakh. Acting on the complaint, the CBI verified the allegations and laid a trap to apprehend the officials.
During the trap operation, the CBI team allegedly caught the CGST Superintendent and Inspector while accepting the bribe amount. The officials were immediately taken into custody, and the bribe money was recovered as part of the operation.
Following the arrests, the CBI conducted searches at the residential and official premises of the accused officials. During these searches, documents and materials related to cases handled by them were reportedly seized. The agency is examining the seized records to ascertain whether similar demands were made in other cases and to identify any wider pattern of corruption.
The CBI has registered a case under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigation is currently underway. Officials indicated that the role of other persons, if any, will also be examined as the probe progresses.
The arrests have once again brought focus on corruption risks during tax scrutiny and enforcement proceedings, particularly the need for transparency and accountability within tax administration. Senior officials have reiterated that the investigation is at a preliminary stage and that the accused will be produced before the competent court in accordance with law.
Further developments in the case are awaited as the CBI continues its investigation.
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