Bribe Demand was Confirmed during the Course of the Investigation, Leading to the Registration of the FIR
In a recent development, an Assistant Commissioner of Maharashtra’s tax department, along with several other officers from the State GST department, has come under scrutiny for allegedly soliciting a hefty bribe. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) initiated a probe into the matter after accusations surfaced regarding the demand for a bribe amounting to Rs 1 crore from a company director to resolve a pending tax issue.
The case, filed under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, centers around Arjun Suryawanshi, the Assistant Commissioner of State Tax (investigation branch), and other implicated officers. The case was officially lodged on February 2 following a letter penned by the Special Commissioner of State Tax and Chief Vigilance Officer to the Maharashtra Director General of Police (ACB), urging an investigation into the alleged corruption within the investigation branch of the state tax department.
According to the investigation, Suryawanshi and his team conducted raids on a firm between July 5 and August 7 of the previous year. The firm was found to have outstanding taxes exceeding Rs 20 crore. Despite repeated reminders, the firm’s director failed to settle the pending tax amount, prompting GST department officials to visit both his office and residence.
Subsequently, on August 21, Suryawanshi purportedly sent a WhatsApp message to the firm’s director, demanding a staggering sum of Rs 1 crore to resolve the tax matter. While no money exchanged hands, the bribe demand was confirmed during the course of the investigation, leading to the registration of the FIR.
The ongoing probe aims to delve deeper into the alleged corruption scheme orchestrated by Suryawanshi and other implicated officers. The authorities remain committed to ensuring transparency and accountability within the state tax department, underscoring the gravity of such corrupt practices and the need for stringent action against offenders.
As the investigation unfolds, the public eagerly awaits further developments in this high-profile bribery case, with hopes for justice and integrity prevailing in the administration of tax affairs within the state of Maharashtra.
For Understanding Reporting Table 14 & 15 under GSTR-1 CLICK HERE
Read More
Reduction in GST for Insurance Products Recommended by the Standing Committee on Finance
No Penalty under Section 129 for Procedural Breach, If Tax Dues are Paid: Calcutta High Court