Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau Books Sales tax Officer and 16 Traders for Rs 175.93 Crore GST Fraud. Charges framed under several sections of PCA and IPC
In a significant development, the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has unearthed a massive Rs 175.93 crore GST fraud allegedly orchestrated by a Sales Tax officer and 16 traders. This scam, according to ACB reports, occurred between August 2021 and March 2022 at the state Goods and Service Tax (GST) department building in Mazgaon.
The accused officer, identified as Amit Giridhar Lalge (42), held the position of Sales Tax officer at GST Bhavan, with responsibility for Ghatkopar Zone, Nodal 11. Lalge is alleged to have colluded with 16 traders, enabling them to file false tax returns and claim Rs 175.93 crore without making actual GST payments.
According to an Anti-Corruption Bureau officer, these traders obtained GST numbers through forged and fake rent agreements, bypassing any tax obligations to the state government. Lalge purportedly neglected to verify the legitimacy of these claims, despite indications on the GST portal raising suspicions about their authenticity.
The fraud came to light when a GST department audit revealed a significant mismatch between the tax returns being disbursed and the actual GST payments made by the 16 traders. All approvals for these transactions were traced back to Lalge, prompting the GST department to file a formal complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau last year.
By processing these deceitful returns and disbursing funds to the 16 traders, Lalge is accused of causing a staggering loss of Rs 175.93 crore to the Maharashtra government. The charges against Lalge and the traders include cheating, forgery, and other violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Indian Penal Code.
While investigations are ongoing, no arrests have been made in connection with the case so far.
This significant development highlights the ongoing efforts to combat financial fraud and corruption, particularly within the taxation system. Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding investigation.
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