In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Commissioner (Appeals) from Central GST & CE, Guwahati, along with a middleman, in connection with an alleged bribery case amounting to Rs. 3.83 lakh. The arrests come following a complaint implicating the Commissioner and three middlemen in irregularities linked to construction work for the N.F. Railway.
The complainant had submitted bills for the work, resulting in a Service Tax demand of Rs. 48,43,034 issued by the Additional Commissioner of Central Goods & Service Tax in Dibrugarh. Dissatisfied with the demand, the complainant appealed the decision to the Commissioner (Appeals) of CGST, Central Excise & Customs in Guwahati. During appeal proceedings, it is alleged that the Commissioner sought a bribe of Rs. 4,50,000, later negotiated down to Rs. 3.83 lakh to settle the matter.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the CBI conducted a sting operation and apprehended a middleman in the act of accepting the bribe intended for the Commissioner, who is an IRS officer. Simultaneously, the Commissioner himself was detained during the operation. Searches at the premises of the accused yielded incriminating materials, further substantiating the allegations. Both individuals are scheduled to appear before the Competent Court as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
