A Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Superintendent was allegedly caught accepting a bribe of ₹8 lakh during a trap operation conducted by the Bengaluru City Lokayukta, officials said.

The accused officer has been identified as Mohit Pratap Singh, Superintendent, Central GST, South Division-4, South Commissionerate. According to the Lokayukta, the officer allegedly demanded ₹8 lakh from a businessman in connection with pending Central GST dues and for closing what the complainant described as a false complaint against him.

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The alleged transaction was intercepted during a trap operation in Bengaluru, with the Lokayukta stating that the bribe amount was allegedly accepted through a mediator.

₹8 Lakh Allegedly Demanded to Close GST-Related Complaint

According to the complaint received by the Bengaluru City Lokayukta, businessman Syed Zameer alleged that the Central GST Superintendent had demanded ₹8 lakh from him.

The alleged demand was reportedly linked to a complaint concerning pending Central GST dues. The complainant further alleged that the amount was sought for closing what he claimed was a false complaint lodged against him.

Following receipt of the complaint, Lokayukta officials are stated to have verified the allegations and subsequently planned a trap operation to catch the public servant allegedly accepting the bribe.

Lokayukta Conducts Trap Operation at Kendriya Sadan

The alleged bribe transaction took place at Kendriya Sadan in Koramangala, Bengaluru, where Singh was allegedly caught while accepting the money.

The Lokayukta has stated that the alleged bribe was accepted through a private individual who acted as a mediator in the transaction.

The private individual has been identified as Salman Sheikh. According to the Lokayukta, Sheikh has also been named as an accused in the case for his alleged role in facilitating the transaction.

The operation was conducted after the complainant approached the anti-corruption agency with allegations of an illegal demand by the GST officer.

Case Registered Under Prevention of Corruption Act

A criminal case has been registered in connection with the alleged bribe demand and acceptance.

The Lokayukta has invoked Section 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018.

Section 7A deals with a public servant accepting or attempting to obtain an undue advantage from a person, either directly or through another person, for exercising or inducing improper performance of public duty or for rewarding such conduct.

The provision is particularly relevant in cases involving alleged demands for an undue advantage by public servants where an intermediary may also be involved in the transaction.

Alleged Bribe Linked to Pending Central GST Dues

The allegations arise against the backdrop of proceedings concerning pending Central GST dues. As per the complaint, the alleged demand was not merely for resolution of the tax dues but was also connected with closing a complaint that the businessman maintained was false.

The exact nature of the underlying GST proceedings and the allegations contained in the purported complaint against the businessman will be examined as part of the investigation.

The alleged acceptance of the money, according to the Lokayukta, formed the basis for the anti-corruption trap operation.

Mediator Also Named as Accused

The alleged involvement of a private intermediary has also emerged as a significant aspect of the case.

The Lokayukta said that Salman Sheikh allegedly acted as a mediator in the transaction and has consequently been named as an accused along with the Central GST Superintendent.

The allegation indicates that the investigating agency is examining not only the alleged conduct of the public servant but also the role played by the private individual in facilitating the transfer or acceptance of the alleged bribe.

Further Investigation Underway

The Bengaluru City Lokayukta has stated that further investigation into the matter is underway.

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