A Superintendent of Central Goods and Services Tax and a private tax consultant have been arrested in Gujarat for allegedly accepting a Rs 20 lakh bribe during a GST-related investigation. The arrests came after an Anti-Corruption Bureau trap operation in Rajkot.
The case has drawn attention as officials said the alleged demand was first Rs 25 lakh before being reduced to Rs 20 lakh. The action marks a fresh crackdown on corruption linked to tax enforcement.
According to officials, the accused are Mukeshkumar Manbodh Kumar, a CGST Superintendent posted in Rajkot, and Akash Kaloliya, a private tax consultant. They were caught while allegedly accepting the money during the planned operation, NDTV reported.
How It Started
The case began after a citizen approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau with a complaint. The complainant alleged that the CGST Superintendent demanded Rs 25 lakh to settle an ongoing probe linked to unpaid GST and fake bill creation.
After discussions, the amount was allegedly settled at Rs 20 lakh. The complainant further said the money was to be handed over to Kaloliya, who was acting as a middleman in the deal.
Trap Operation
The Anti-Corruption Bureau carried out the trap on April 28 at Creative Complex near the Rajkot bus station. The operation was supervised by Assistant Director JD Mewada and Deputy Director Baldevsinh Vaghela, while Inspector AA Khokhar led the team.
Officials said they intercepted the transaction and recovered the full Rs 20 lakh from the spot. Both accused were taken into custody immediately after the recovery.
What Next
Authorities said the two have been booked under relevant legal provisions. The investigation is continuing.
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