CBI Arrests Key CGST Officials in Rs 60 Lakh Bribery Scandal

The CBI has arrested three individuals, including a CGST superintendent, in connection with a Rs 60 lakh bribery case in Mumbai. The arrests were made as they received a part payment of Rs 20 lakh. A businessman had alleged that he was confined and forced to pay the bribe.

The CBI has apprehended three individuals, including a superintendent from the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) anti-evasion wing in Mumbai, in a Rs 60 lakh bribery case, officials reported on Sunday.

Superintendent Sachin Gokulka, Chartered Accountant Raj Aggarwal, and one Abhishek Mehta were caught receiving a Rs 20 lakh part-payment of the bribe. The CBI registered the case following a complaint from a businessman who claimed he was confined overnight at the Santacruz CGST office and re leased after 18 hours.

During his confinement, Gokulka allegedly demanded an Rs 80 lakh bribe, later reduced to Rs 60 lakh. The businessman's cousin facilitated the bribe negotiations. After paying Rs 30 lakh through hawala, the businessman was allowed to leave the next day. The CBI arrested the trio during a sting operation while they accepted the remaining Rs 20 lakh. All three accused are in police custody until September 10, following a special CBI court order. Searches in Mumbai recovered various incriminating documents.

(With inputs from agencies.)