Mumbai: CBI Apprehends CGST Assistant Commissioner and Inspector for Bribery
Mumbai, 16th March 2024: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken action against corruption within the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) department by apprehending an assistant commissioner and an inspector for allegedly soliciting and receiving a bribe of Rs 1.5 lakh. The incident unfolded when a partner in a transportation firm, who had reportedly been served a show cause notice, was approached by CGST officials for monetary settlement regarding service tax matters.
The arrested individuals, identified as Suhas C Bhalerao and Shubham Das, held positions as assistant commissioner and inspector, respectively, within the CGST.
According to CBI sources, Bhalerao had initiated legal action against the complainant concerning service tax issues, resulting in a show-cause notice being issued.
Allegations suggest that Bhalerao demanded a bribe of Rs 6 lakh from the complainant to resolve the service tax matter outlined in the notice. Subsequently, negotiations led to an agreement where the accused official agreed to accept Rs 1.5 lakh as a bribe.
Instructions were given to the complainant to deliver the bribe sum to the inspector.
In response, the CBI orchestrated a sting operation, capturing the inspector as he received the Rs 1.5 lakh bribe from the complainant on behalf of the assistant commissioner.
Both individuals have been detained by the CBI, with searches underway at their residential and official premises as part of the investigation into the matter.
