CBI arrested Income Tax Officer and CA in a Bribery Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has arrested an Assistant Valuation Officer, Income Tax Valuation Cell, Chennai and an Auditor/Chartered Accountant in a bribery of Rs.2.25 Lakh.

On allegations of bribery, a case was filed against a Superintending Engineer, CPWD, Chennai (also a District Valuation Officer, IT Valuation Cell, Chennai) and others, including an Assistant Valuation Officer, IT Valuation Cell, Chennai; an Auditor; and an Assessee/ Property Owner.

The Income Tax Valuation Cell was contacted by the National Faceless Assessment Center (National e Assessment Center), New Delhi, after it was claimed that an Assessee/Property Owner had reported high value property transactions in his income tax returns regarding his property in Chennai. It was further claimed that the property had been inspected by the Assistant Valuation Officer (AVO), IT Valuation Cell, Chennai, who had noted a difference in the property’s value.

A Superintending Engineer (Planning), CPWD, Chennai, who was in charge of the District Valuation Officer (DVO), IT Valuation Cell, Chennai, served as the Competent Authority for the purpose of finalising the valuation. The Property Owner allegedly sent the money through his Auditor or CA to be delivered to the said AVO after the Income Tax Valuation Cell officials allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs. 3.50 lakh from him in exchange for official favour.

While the alleged undue advantage/bribe amount was being paid, the CBI detained the Assistant Valuation Officer, Income Tax, and the named Auditor. The favourable letter/order in regard to the said property as well as the sum of Rs. 2.25 lakhs were recovered from the AVO and the Chartered Accountant, respectively.

Incriminating documents and items were found after searches were carried out at the accused’s premises. Cash totaling Rs.9 lakh and Rs.1.25 lakh were discovered in the possession of the said AVO and Auditor, respectively. It was claimed that the Auditor/CA kept Rs.1.25 lakh of the total bribe of Rs.3.50 lakh as his fees for mediating the case.

The two arrested defendants were both brought before the appropriate court and remanded to judicial custody.