CBI arrests ex-GST Superintendent on corruption charges

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested ex-Superintendent of GST, Bollineni Srinivasa Gandhi, on charges of corruption in Hyderabad in an ongoing investigation of a case.

Gandhi has been accused of acquiring money to the tune of Rs 3.74 crores through illegal means.

CBI had registered a case on 8th July 2019, against Gandhi and his wife on the allegations of illicity enriching themselves to the tune of about Rs. 3,74,74,046.

It was learnt that the arrest comes after Gandhi failed to appear before CBI officials for questioning in connection with the cases against him.

The CBI had booked Gandhi, who was then working as a Superintendent in the Anti Evasion Wing of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Hyderabad, for amassing properties illegally. Inquiries revealed he had invested huge sums of money to purchase open plots and agriculture lands in Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh, and its surrounding areas, after the bifurcation of the erstwhile State.

During Investigation, CBI issued notices under the provisions of Criminal Procedure Code. However, the accused did not cooperate with the investigation and also did not furnish requisite information/ documents pertaining to the case.

It was further alleged that the accused had influenced the witnesses and dissuaded them from joining the investigation and disclosing relevant facts of the case.

Gandhi has also been accused of furnishing false and fabricated COVID-19 positive reports in the name of his family members.

He will be produced before the Special Court for CBI cases, the officials confirmed.