Action of Anti-Corruption Bureau was in Response to a Complaint by an Export Company
In a recent development, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended Pankaj Khurana, a chartered accountant (CA), and Prem Raj Meena, a Central GST superintendent, on charges of allegedly accepting a bribe totalling Rs 10.5 lakh. The bribe was purportedly taken from an export company owner in exchange for evading a GST fine.
The accused were presented before the court on Saturday, following their apprehension by the Anti-corruption Bureau team. It was reported that Prem Raj Meena had allegedly issued threats of severe consequences to the complainant for filing a complaint against him.
The sequence of events leading to the arrests began with a complaint lodged by an industrialist, who claimed that a raid was conducted by the department on their industrial unit on February 6. During the raid, officials asserted that the industrialist was not adhering to the government’s GST policies, specifically regarding the imposition of a 12 per cent GST on goods. Subsequently, they demanded a bribe amounting to Rs 12 lakh.
Upon receiving the complaint, the Anti-corruption Bureau registered a case under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. A dedicated team was assembled, which successfully apprehended CA Pankaj with Rs 7 lakh in his possession. Furthermore, Prem Raj Meena was implicated in the investigation, and Rs 3.5 lakh was recovered from his vehicle.
This incident underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law. The swift action of Anti-Corruption Bureau in response to the complaint serves as a reminder of the commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency within government institutions.
In conclusion, the arrests of CA Pankaj Khurana and GST Superintendent Prem Raj Meena highlight the importance of vigilance and the role of citizens in reporting corrupt practices. Such decisive actions contribute to fostering a culture of integrity and ethical conduct in the society.
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