In a significant development, the Ghaziabad police have registered an FIR against five officials from the Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) for allegedly demanding a hefty bribe of Rs. 5 crore from a local businessman. The officials, posted in the DGGI Gurugram office, now face charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Arun Kumar Som, director of SKS Electricals, filed the complaint, stating that his company's office in Ghaziabad was raided by the GST team on July 5, 2022, under allegations of violating GST rules. Shockingly, one of the directors was arrested during the raid without a warrant.
Som further claimed that the DGGI officials demanded the staggering bribe to 'settle' the matter and threatened him with imprisonment if he did not comply. Allegedly paying Rs. 2.35 crore 'out of fear,' Som asserted that the officials persisted in demanding more money, promising to distribute it among higher-ups.
Frustrated with the lack of action after approaching the police and the Police Commissionerate office, Som resorted to legal avenues under CrPC 156 (3) to seek the registration of an FIR against the GST officials. Following a court order, the Ghaziabad police has now registered the FIR under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
According to the detailed complaint, the GST officials not only seized company assets during the raid but also arrested a director without proper documentation. The subsequent demand for Rs. 5 crore allegedly involved threats of jail time and promises of distributing the money within the department.
Som, facing continuous pressure, arranged Rs. 50 lakh and paid it in Delhi. However, the officials allegedly continued their demands, prompting further payments of Rs. 1 crore on August 4, 2022, and Rs. 75 lakh on August 12, 2022, at different locations.
Adding to the complexity of the case, in January 2023, Som received a call from a new investigating officer who allegedly demanded an additional Rs. 50 lakh. Despite filing a complaint with the police, no action was taken, leaving the businessman in fear of threats and potential harm to his life.
The unfolding case highlights the alarming trend of corruption within regulatory bodies and the challenges faced by individuals seeking justice against powerful entities. The legal proceedings are expected to shed light on the alleged misconduct and abuse of power by the DGGI officials involved.
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