CBI Arrests GST Commissioner for Bribe of Rs 3.83 Lakh

A middleman (private person) and a Commissioner (Appeals), Central GST & CE, Guwahati, have been detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with an alleged 3.83 lakh rupee bribe.

On the basis of a complaint, a case was filed against the Commissioner (Appeals), Central GST & CE, Guwahati, and three intermediaries. The complainant is said to have carried out construction work for N.F. Railway and generated invoices. A demand for service tax in the sum of Rs. 48,43,034 was made by the Additional Commissioner, Central Goods & Service Tax, Dibrugarh. The complainant filed an appeal before the Commissioner (Appeals), CGST, Central Excise & Customs, Guwahati after being dissatisfied with the Additional Commissioner, Central Goods & Service Tax’s decision. Furthermore, it was claimed that the Commissioner wanted a bribe of Rs. 4,50,000/- (i.e., 10% of the Service Tax Demand) through middlemen at one of the hearings of the aforementioned appeal. This sum was later lowered to Rs. 3.83 lakh to resolve the issue.

When a middleman (Private Person) accepted a bribe of Rs.3.83 lakh on behalf of the aforementioned Commissioner, CBI set up a trap and caught him (an IRS Officer). This Commissioner was also apprehended.

At the accused’s home, searches were carried out that resulted in the discovery of evidence.

Both of the arrested suspects will be presented to the appropriate court.