2 GST Officials Arrested for Demanding Bribe by CBI

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has held a Superintendent and Inspector of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) with soliciting a bribe from a businessman in exchange for processing his GST registration application. Surprisingly, the duo demanded Rs.1000 in bribe.

The erring officials were identified as Superintendent Vijay Raut and Inspector Murli Manohar, both of whom are posted at the Ahmednagar Range.

According to the CBI, a written complaint was received on January 4 from an Ahmednagar businessman who had applied for GST registration. Mr. Manohar called the complainant on January 1 and asked him to come to the CGST office.

“On the same day, the complainant met with the Inspector and provided the necessary documents. During the meeting, Mr. Manohar introduced him to Mr. Raut. Because the electricity bill was in the name of the complainant’s father, the Superintendent instructed him to pay Rs.1000 to the Inspector “said the FIR.

On December 3, Mr. Manohar informed the complainant that this was the final date for processing his registration and demanded a bribe of Rs.1000 once more. The allegation was confirmed on January 4 when the complainant met the duo again at their office and informed them that his electricity bill name change process would take a few more days.

“Mr. Raut informed the complainant that his GST registration process would not be complete unless he complied with his Inspector’s demand during the conversation. He also threatened to send a negative report that would cause his GST registration to be denied. The aforementioned conversation was recorded and supported the demand for a bribe “stated in the FIR.

Under Section 7 of The Prevention of Corruption Act (public servant receiving gratification other than legal remuneration in connection with official act), the CBI has filed a case.