The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested an Assistant Commissioner, a Superintendent and an Inspector, all of Central Excise (Service Tax Department), Akurdi, Pune in a bribery case. A case was registered against the Superintendent and an Inspector, both of Central Excise (Service Tax), Akurdi, Pune on an alleged demand of bribery from the complainant for not levying service tax on his multi-purpose Hall. It was alleged in the complaint that the accused persons informed the complainant that his total liability was Rs.9.30 lakh(approx) plus 25% penalty plus interest thereon and demanded a bribe of Rs.2.5 lakh to settle the matter
CBI laid a trap and the Superintendent was caught red handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.1.25 lakh from the complainant being the first installment out of total demand of Rs.2.5 lakh.
During the process of trap, it was disclosed that the Assistant Commissioner & an Inspector of Service Tax, Central Excise, Akurdi, Pune were also allegedly involved in the bribery case. They were also arrested.
Searches were conducted at the residence of the accused persons which led to recovery of cash of Rs.2.60 lakh (approx) from the residence of an Inspector & cash of Rs.One lakh from the residence of Superintendent.
Incriminating documents recovered from the residence of accused persons are being scrutinized.
All the three arrested accused are being produced today in the Court of Special Judge, Pune.
Further investigation is continuing.
CBI Press Release
New Delhi , 23.05.2012
