CBI Books 6 CGST Officers Posted In Mumbai In Bribery Case

Mumbai: Tightening its noose to prevent corruption , the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three officials working at CGST (anti-evasion), Mumbai as they were caught red-handed taking a bribe amount of Rs 30 lakh. The probe agency has booked six officials in this case. 

According to an FIR, the CBI registered a case on a complaint against eight accused, including six officers of CGST, Mumbai, comprising an Additional Commissioner, a Joint Commissioner, four superintendents, and two private persons, including a Chartered Accountant, on allegations of bribery, etc.

CGST officers Detained Complainant, Demanded Bribery

It has been alleged that when the complainant visited the CGST Office in Santacruz on the evening of September 4, he was detained there overnight and was only released about 18 hours later, on September 5. It was also alleged that during this detention, one of the accused, the Superintendent of CGST (the bribe taker), demanded a bribe of Rs 80 lakh to avoid arrest, which was later reduced to Rs 60 lakh.

Additionally, it was alleged that three other colleagues of the Superintendent, all CGST Superintendents themselves, also participated in pressuring the complainant. They reportedly used force and abusive language repeatedly. During his confinement, the complainant was allegedly forced to call his cousin to relay the demand for a bribe from the CGST officers in exchange for not arresting him and for providing favorable treatment in an ongoing CGST investigation.

The Court granted Police Custody of arrested Superintendent CGST and CA till September 10. 

Arrested private person has been sent to judicial custody.Searches were conducted at nine locations at the official and residential premises of accused persons in and around Mumbai which led to recovery of various incriminating documents.