CBI Arrests Central GST Commissioner and Middleman in Rs. 3.83 Lakh Bribery Case
Guwahati, July 01, 2024: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Commissioner (Appeals) of Central GST & CE, Guwahati, and a middleman in connection with an alleged bribery case involving Rs. 3.83 lakh. This arrest follows a registered case against the Commissioner and three middlemen.
The case originated from a complaint filed by an individual who had completed construction work for N.F. Railway and submitted bills. The Additional Commissioner of Central Goods & Services Tax, Dibrugarh, subsequently raised a demand for Service Tax amounting to Rs. 48,43,034. Dissatisfied with this order, the complainant appealed to the Commissioner (Appeals), CGST, Central Excise & Customs, Guwahati.
During one of the appeal hearings, the Commissioner allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs. 4,50,000 through middlemen to resolve the matter. This amount was later negotiated down to Rs. 3.83 lakh.
In response to the complaint, the CBI set up a trap. A middleman was caught accepting the bribe on behalf of the Commissioner, who is an IRS officer. The Commissioner was also arrested during this operation.
Searches conducted at the premises of the accused led to the recovery of incriminating materials. These findings are expected to provide further evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Both the Commissioner and the middleman will be produced before the Competent Court. The CBI continues its investigation to uncover more details related to the case.
The CBI’s swift action highlights its commitment to tackling corruption within government departments. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in public service.
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