Judge sentences ITO Tax Assistant despite witness turning hostile

New Delhi, Apr 4 (UNI) In a decision which could set the benchmark for future judgements, a special CBI judge has convicted a Tax Assistant of the Income Tax Department - Mumbai, on bribery charges despite the 'panch witness' turning hostile during trial.

Tax Assistant Jai Kumar Daswani was sentenced to one year rigorous imprisonment and along with a fine of Rs 5,000 for accepting a Rs 3,000 bribe from a woman for settling her Income Tax refund claim, even though an important witness did not support the prosecution during trial, the CBI said today.

However, as the second witness supported the charges the judge convicted the official.

Also, the judge, while taking cognisance of the hostility of the 'panch witness' issued a notice of perjury against him.

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