I-T officer held for demanding R6-lakh bribe

The anti-corruption branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested an Income Tax Officer (I-TO) from Thane after she demanded a bribe of Rs6 lakh to avoid scrutinising the tax returns of a firm.

The anti-corruption branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested an Income Tax Officer (I-TO) from Thane after she demanded a bribe of Rs6 lakh to avoid scrutinising the tax returns of a firm.

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The police said the officer was caught on Wednesday, while accepting Rs1.5 lakh of the bribe demanded. The CBI also found documents of the firm at the residence and office of the I-T officer.

The complainant, who is the firm’s owner, registered a case with the CBI in September, alleging that Madhuri Chavan had initially demanded a bribe of Rs2.5 lakh from him. A CBI officer said, “The I-T officer stated that if the money was paid, the I-T department would avoid scrutiny of the firm’s tax returns. The I-T officer, however, increased her bribe demand to Rs 6 lakh in October stating that a survey notice had been issued and if the said amount was not paid, the survey would be conducted soon.”

The CBI subsequently raided the residence and office of the I-T officer and found incriminating documents pertaining to the case along with other investment documents of the accused. The officials seized all documents.

The CBI registered a case against her under the Prevention of Corruption Act and produced her before a special court that sent the officer to CBI custody till November 3.