Senior Income Tax Official Arrested in Mumbai for Alleged Bribery

In a startling development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a senior official of the Income Tax (IT) department in Mumbai. The arrest comes in light of allegations that the official, identified as Vikas Bansal, was involved in demanding and accepting a hefty bribe of Rs 4 lakh. The bribe was purportedly in exchange for manipulating Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) certificates related to a property sale.

According to the CBI's statement, the accused, Vikas Bansal, purportedly solicited the bribe to issue a reduced TDS certificate concerning the sale of a property owned by the complainant’s maternal uncle, who happens to be a Non-Resident Indian (NRI). Initially, Bansal allegedly demanded a staggering two percent of the property's total value. However, this figure was reportedly negotiated down to one percent, equating to a staggering Rs 5 crore.

The sequence of events unfolded dramatically as Bansal purportedly accepted the initial installment of the bribe amounting to Rs 4 lakh. Acting swiftly upon receiving a complaint from the aggrieved party, the CBI orchestrated a meticulously planned trap, culminating in Bansal's apprehension red-handed on May 2. The arrest took place within the confines of Bansal's office, situated in the iconic Air India Building, nestled in Mumbai's prestigious Nariman Point.

In a subsequent turn of events, searches were conducted at both the professional and residential premises of the accused, leading to a startling discovery. Authorities unearthed a cache of evidence, including a significant sum of Rs 15 lakh in cash, alongside gold jewelry, and pertinent documents pertaining to investments in both immovable and movable properties.

As the investigation progresses, the CBI remains steadfast in its commitment to unraveling the intricate web of corruption allegedly woven by Bansal. The implications of this arrest extend far beyond the confines of a single individual, serving as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of corruption and the unwavering dedication of law enforcement agencies in upholding the rule of law.