The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made significant progress in multiple bribery cases, including the arrest of CGST officials in Jabalpur and the filing of a chargesheet against a former Income Tax Commissioner. Additionally, an Enforcement Officer from EPFO has been arrested for accepting a bribe.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been active in its fight against corruption, as evidenced by recent developments in various bribery cases. In Jabalpur, CGST officials were arrested for demanding and accepting a bribe, while a chargesheet was filed against a former Income Tax Commissioner and another individual. Additionally, an Enforcement Officer from EPFO was apprehended for accepting a bribe. These actions demonstrate the CBI’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability.
A. Arrest of CGST Officials in Jabalpur Bribery Case:
The CBI arrested two Superintendents and three Inspectors from CGST, Jabalpur, in connection with a bribery case involving Rs. 7 lakh. The case originated from the allegation that a Superintendent demanded a bribe of Rs. 1 crore for issuing a release order for a factory. After negotiations, the bribe amount was reduced to Rs. 7 lakh. The CBI laid a trap, leading to the officials’ arrest while demanding and accepting the bribe. During subsequent searches at various locations, approximately Rs. 83.26 lakh in cash was recovered. The accused individuals will be produced before the Court of Special Judge, CBI Cases, Jabalpur.
B. Chargesheet Filed Against Former Income Tax Commissioner:
In an ongoing investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet against a former Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, along with a former Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax and a private individual. The case was registered at the request of the Gujarat government and the Government of India. Allegedly, the former Additional Commissioner escaped during trap proceedings, but not before handing over two mobile handsets to the Assistant Commissioner. The accused Assistant Commissioner facilitated the escape and disposed of the mobile handsets in the Sabarmati River. However, the CBI recovered the mobiles using diving equipment and a Remotely Operated Vehicle. Both the former Additional Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner are presently in judicial custody. The investigation is ongoing to uncover any larger conspiracy.
C. Arrest of EPFO Enforcement Officer:
An Enforcement Officer working in the East Regional Office of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in Delhi was arrested by the CBI for accepting a bribe of Rs. 12 lakh. The officer had conducted an inspection of a Multi-Speciality Hospital in Delhi and allegedly informed the complainant, a manager at the hospital, about irregularities in the records. The officer demanded a bribe of 20% of the penalty amount, which was negotiated and settled at Rs. 12 lakh. The CBI laid a trap and apprehended the accused while accepting the bribe. Searches were conducted at the accused’s premises, and further legal proceedings will take place at the designated court in Delhi.
Conclusion: The recent actions by the CBI reflect its relentless efforts to combat corruption. The arrests of CGST officials in Jabalpur, the chargesheet against the former Income Tax Commissioner, and the arrest of the EPFO Enforcement Officer demonstrate the agency’s determination to hold individuals accountable for their involvement in bribery cases
