In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a bribery network within the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) office in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The CBI arrested a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, Deputy Commissioner Prabha Bhandari (2016 batch), along with two Superintendents, an advocate, and the owner of a private company named Ajay Sharma, Anil Kumar Tiwari Superintendents CGST (Jhansi), Naresh Kumar Gupta GST Advocate (private person), and Rajendra Kumar Mangtani owner of Jai Ambey Plywood.
The operation, initiated on December 30, was based on allegations of soliciting an undue advantage of Rs 1.5 crore. The accused officials allegedly demanded bribes to favor private firms involved in GST evasion cases, compromising ongoing investigations and settlements.
CBI teams set up a meticulous trap, catching the two Superintendents red-handed while accepting Rs 70 lakh in cash. This sum was reportedly received on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner, who orchestrated the bribe demand. Following the arrests, extensive searches at the accused’s residences and linked premises led to significant recoveries, including approximately Rs 90 lakh in cash, property documents, jewelry, and bullion.
