CBI Arrests Three in Bribery Case Involving CGST Superintendent and Private Individuals

Mumbai, 08^th September 2024

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three individuals, including a Superintendent of CGST (Anti-Evasion), Mumbai West Commissionerate, and two private persons, in connection with a bribery case. The arrests were made during a trap operation where the accused were found accepting a part of the bribe amounting to ₹20 lakh, out of the total demanded bribe of ₹60 lakh. An additional ₹30 lakh was allegedly delivered through hawala channels.

The CBI’s action follows a complaint involving eight accused, including six CGST officers and two private individuals, including a Chartered Accountant. The complaint alleges that the complainant was unlawfully detained at the CGST office in Santacruz from the evening of September 4, 2024, until September 5, 2024. During this period, one of the accused CGST Superintendents allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹80 lakh, later reduced to ₹60 lakh, to avoid arrest.

The complainant was reportedly pressured by three other CGST Superintendents, who used force and abusive language to coerce him into paying the bribe. During his confinement, the complainant’s cousin was allegedly contacted to convey the bribe demand. The cousin then reached out to the Chartered Accountant and other private individuals to negotiate the bribe, which was agreed upon to be ₹60 lakh. Of this amount, ₹30 lakh was allegedly paid through hawala before the complainant was released.

The CBI set up a trap and apprehended the Chartered Accountant red-handed while accepting ₹20 lakh on behalf of the CGST officers. The operation also involved controlled delivery of the bribe to another private individual, who was supposed to hand it over to the CGST officers. During the trap, the Superintendent of CGST was also arrested when he met the private person near Oshivara Police Station, Mumbai.

All three arrested individuals, including the CGST Superintendent, the Chartered Accountant, and the private person, were presented before the Special Court for CBI Cases, Mumbai. The Court granted police custody of the Superintendent of CGST and the Chartered Accountant until September 10, 2024, while the private person has been sent to judicial custody. Searches were conducted at nine locations, including the official and residential premises of the accused, resulting in the recovery of various incriminating documents.

The investigation into the case is ongoing.

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DL/PK