The complainant, in a handwritten note submitted to the CBI, detailed how the officials asked for a bribe to resolve the issue.
In a recent development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken action against three GST officials for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 22 lakh. The accused, identified as Satish Sharma and Ankur Godyan, both central GST superintendents, along with another official, are now facing corruption charges.
The incident unfolded when a bullion merchant from Zaveri Bazar in south Mumbai received a summon from the GST, triggering a series of events. The complainant, in a handwritten note submitted to the CBI, detailed how the officials asked for a bribe to resolve the issue.
Despite the verification of the bribe demand, the accused, stationed at the Air India headquarters in Nariman Point, reportedly did not accept any bribe, according to CBI sources.
The complainant narrated visiting the anti-evasion office in South Mumbai, providing all necessary documents. Subsequently, Ankur Godyan sent another summon to the complainant’s son. Following a visit to the GST office and sharing data with Godyan and Akhilesh, the complainant was allegedly asked to pay Rs 22 lakh to settle the matter.
Trouble escalated when, on March 15, the accused officials searched the trader’s office without presenting any paperwork. The trader was allegedly coerced with a Rs 3 crore tax burden if the bribe was not paid. After a tense confrontation where the officials threatened to detain the complainant, they finally allowed him to leave, but not before giving a 24-hour ultimatum for the bribe payment.
Upon learning of the incident, the complainant approached the CBI, prompting an investigation into the matter. The agency diligently looked into the claims and subsequently filed a corruption report against the two superintendents and the other GST official involved.
This development underscores the CBI’s commitment to combating corruption and upholding transparency within the GST system.
For further updates on this case, stay tuned.
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