Bengaluru: In a major crackdown on corruption, law enforcement has arrested two individuals for allegedly assisting Goods and Services Tax (GST) officials in a widespread extortion scheme. The operation, prompted by tips regarding corrupt practices, has unveiled alarming details about the extent of the illegal activities, reports The Times of India.
During the arrests, authorities confiscated Rs 69 lakh in cash and approximately 300 grams of gold, believed to be acquired through extortion from various businesses. The individuals arrested are suspected of playing pivotal roles in facilitating these illicit transactions, working in concert with GST officials who were reportedly demanding bribes in exchange for leniency during tax audits and other compliance checks.
As per the TOI report, in the second week of September, Central Crime Branch (CCB) sleuths arrested Abhishek Kumar, 32, superintendent of central tax, south commissionerate, Bengaluru zone, and GST intelligence officials Nagesh Babu, 50, Manoj Saini, 40, and Sonali Sahay, 29. The four arrested had allegedly detained four men of an IT firm for two days and extorted Rs 1.5 crore before releasing them. One of the abductees – Keshav Tak – filed a complaint with Byappanahalli police on September 9, naming the four alleged abductors. Following further investigation, the police arrested private individuals Mukesh Kumar Jain and Prakash Jain. Mukesh was with Tak when the accused GST officials kidnapped him and extorted money. Police sources said the two individuals had availed a loan of Rs 1.1 crore from Tak, who had begun demanding the money back. The duo is said to have conspired with the GST officials to kidnap and extort Tak. City police commissioner B Dayananda said the two individuals had received money through hawala from persons known to Tak.
The business owners claimed they were coerced into paying hefty sums to avoid punitive measures, including audits and severe fines. This pattern of exploitation raises serious concerns about the integrity of tax enforcement practices in the region.
Authorities have expressed their commitment to tackling corruption within tax agencies and protecting the interests of honest taxpayers. The seized assets are considered key evidence in building a case against both the GST officials and their accomplices.
As investigations continue, law enforcement is actively seeking to identify any additional individuals involved in this extortion network. The situation underscores the urgent need for increased oversight and accountability within GST operations to restore public confidence and ensure a fair business environment.
The arrests and the subsequent seizure of cash and gold highlight the ongoing battle against corruption in governmental agencies, emphasizing the importance of transparency and integrity in public service.
