The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made significant strides in its ongoing mission to combat corruption. In a recent development, four officials of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), including two Superintendents, an Inspector, and a Tax Assistant, were apprehended on charges of engaging in an alleged bribery scheme amounting to Rs. 25,000.
A formal complaint against two officials from the CGST office in Aligarh triggered this investigation. The complainant, an agent affiliated with LIC (Life Insurance Corporation), contended that despite never having registered any firm with the Goods and Services Tax (GST), he had been persistently receiving notices from the CGST Department since 2021. These notices included a demand for a substantial sum of Rs. 1,70,981.
Furthermore, the complainant alleged that during a visit to the CGST office in response to one of these notices, both accused officials demanded a bribe of Rs. 30,000 to annul the said notice.
In response to these allegations, the CBI initiated a meticulously planned operation. The Tax Assistant, employed within the CGST office, accepted a bribe amounting to Rs. 25,000 from the complainant, which was subsequently transferred to an Inspector. As the investigation unfolded, two Superintendents, one Inspector, and the Tax Assistant were apprehended, and the bribe money was successfully recovered.
To uncover further evidence, searches were conducted at five different locations, including in Aligarh and at the residences of the accused. These searches yielded approximately Rs. Five lakh in cash and several pertinent documents.
Conclusion: The four arrested officials of the CGST will be presented before the Competent Court. This incident underscores the commitment of the CBI to root out corruption and ensure that individuals responsible for engaging in such activities are brought to justice. It serves as a reminder of the relentless efforts made to maintain transparency and integrity in government organizations, exemplifying the agency’s dedication to eradicating corruption and upholding the rule of law.
