ACB Cracks Down on Bribery: Assistant Commissioner of State Tax and Officers Face Offence Registration

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Mumbai has taken action against an Assistant Commissioner of State Tax and other officers for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 1 crore from a companys director. The offence was registered under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and an investigation is underway.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered an offence against an Assistant Commissioner of State Tax and other officers of the Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax (GST) department for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 1 crore from a company's director to settle a pending tax matter.

Offence Registered Under Prevention of Corruption Act

The offence under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act was registered by the ACB Mumbai unit against Arjun Suryawanshi, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax Investigation Branch, and other officers on Friday, February 2. Section 7 of the anti-corruption Act deals with the offence relating to public servants being bribed.

Investigation Initiated Following Letter from Special Commissioner

The FIR was registered after a letter was written by the Special Commissioner of State Tax and Chief Vigilance Officer to the Maharashtra Director General of Police ACB seeking an investigation into alleged corruption by officers of the investigation branch of the state tax.

Raids Conducted on Firm with Outstanding Tax

During the probe, it came to light that Suryawanshi and his team had conducted raids between July 5 and August 7 last year on a firm that had an outstanding tax of more than Rs 20 crore. Despite several reminders, the firm's director did not pay the pending tax, following which GST department officials visited his office and residence.

WhatsApp Message Allegedly Sent Demanding Bribe

On August 21, Assistant Commissioner Suryawanshi allegedly sent a WhatsApp message demanding Rs 1 crore from the director of the firm to settle the tax matter. The bribe demand was confirmed, although no money exchanged hands during the investigation. Consequently, the FIR was registered, and further investigation is underway.

The ACB's action against the Maharashtra GST officers highlights the government's commitment to combating corruption and ensuring transparency in tax administration. The investigation is expected to shed light on the extent of corruption within the department and bring those responsible to justice.