In a major crackdown on corruption within the tax administration, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Nishan Singh Malli, Superintendent of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), Amroha and tax advocate Amit Khandelwal for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh-part of a Rs 4 lakh demand-in exchange for waiving GST penalties.
The arrest was made after a businessman lodged a complaint, leading the CBI to register a case on June 9. According to the First Information Report (FIR), a penalty notice had been issued to the complainant's family-owned company for non-filing of GST returns. The accused allegedly demanded Rs 4 lakh to withdraw the penalty proceedings.
Advocate Colluded With Tax Official, Says CBI
Shockingly, instead of defending his client's interests, advocate Amit Khandelwal allegedly coerced the complainant to pay the bribe and collaborated with the CGST officer in a criminal conspiracy. CBI officials said the advocate acted as a conduit in the bribery deal.
Following due surveillance, the CBI laid a trap and caught both accused red-handed while accepting Rs 1 lakh, the first installment of the bribe. Searches were conducted at multiple premises linked to both Malli and Khandelwal in Amroha and Gajraula, with further evidence expected to emerge.
Official Held Additional Charge
Malli is currently posted as CGST Superintendent at Gajraula and holds additional charge of CGST, Amroha. His arrest raises serious questions about corruption and misuse of power within the indirect tax enforcement framework.
The CBI continues to investigate the case and has assured that strict action will be taken against public servants involved in corruption.
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