Navi Mumbai: CBI Arrests CGST Assistant Commissioner and Inspector in Bribery Case of Rs 1.5 Lakh
Mubarak Ansari
Navi Mumbai, 15th March 2024: Today, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made significant strides in combating corruption by apprehending an Assistant Commissioner and Inspector of CGST & CX, Div-1, Belapur, Navi Mumbai, in connection with a bribery case amounting to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Name of the arrested accused:
1. Suhas C. Bhalerao, Assistant Commissioner, CGST & CX, Div-1, Belapur, Navi Mumbai and
2. Shubham Das Mohapatra, Inspector, CGST & CX, Div-1, Belapur, Navi Mumbai
The arrest follows a complaint filed against the Assistant Commissioner, alleging his involvement in coercive practices. It was reported that the complainant, a partner in a transport firm, received a Show Cause Notice issued by the Assistant Commissioner, CGST & CX, Div-1, Belapur Commissionerate, Navi Mumbai. Subsequently, the complainant submitted the requisite documents, only to face further demands from the accused official.
The complaint detailed that the Assistant Commissioner insisted on a bribe of Rs. 6,00,000 to settle the Service Tax-related Show Cause Notice. After negotiations, the accused agreed to accept a reduced sum of Rs. 1,50,000. The transaction was arranged through the Inspector, CGST, acting as an intermediary.
In a commendable display of vigilance, the CBI orchestrated a sting operation, leading to the apprehension of the Inspector while accepting the bribe amount on behalf of the Assistant Commissioner. Both individuals have been placed under arrest by the CBI.
Concurrently, extensive searches are being conducted at the residential and official premises of the accused public servants to gather further evidence and ascertain the full extent of their involvement.
