The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Arjun Suryawanshi, an Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, and other GST officers. They are accused of demanding a Rs 1 crore bribe from a company director to resolve a pending tax matter. The investigation began after a letter from the Special Commissioner of State Tax prompted a probe into alleged corruption within the tax investigation branch.
In a shocking development, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Maharashtra has initiated legal proceedings against an Assistant Commissioner of the State GST department, along with other officers, for allegedly soliciting a massive bribe of Rs 1 crore. The case, which surfaced on Tuesday, has rattled the administrative echelons, shedding light on rampant corruption within the tax enforcement apparatus.
Allegations and Legal Action
According to official reports, the accused, identified as A
Arjun Suryawanshi, an Assistant Commissioner of State Tax (investigation branch), and his associates within the State GST department have been accused.
The accused officers allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 1 crore.
The bribe was allegedly demanded to resolve a pending tax matter for a company that had outstanding tax liabilities.
The bribe demand of Rs 1 crore was allegedly communicated via WhatsApp on August 21.
The investigation was initiated following a letter from the Special Commissioner of State Tax and Chief Vigilance Officer to the Maharashtra Director General of Police (ACB).
While the bribe demand was corroborated, no financial transaction had occurred at the time of the investigation's progress.
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