A Central GST Superintendent in Bengaluru has been arrested by Lokayukta police after allegedly being caught accepting a Rs 8 lakh bribe in connection with a pending GST-related complaint.
The officer, identified as Mohit Pratap Singh, is a Superintendent with the Central GST, South Division-4, South Commissionerate. According to Lokayukta officials, he was allegedly caught accepting the money through a private individual who acted as a mediator in the transaction.
The alleged bribe transaction took place at Kendriya Sadan in Koramangala, Bengaluru, where the officer's chamber was under surveillance during the trap operation.
Rs 20 Lakh Bribe Allegedly Negotiated Down to Rs 8 Lakh
According to reports citing Lokayukta police, businessman Syed Zameer had approached the anti-corruption agency with allegations against Singh.
The complaint was reportedly linked to a pending Central GST matter. Lokayukta officials said Singh had initially demanded Rs 20 lakh to close the case, with the amount later allegedly negotiated down to Rs 8 lakh.
The businessman subsequently approached the Lokayukta, following which officials planned a trap to verify the alleged demand and acceptance of money.
Middleman Also Arrested
The Lokayukta identified Salman Sheikh, a private individual, as the alleged mediator in the transaction. Police reportedly arrested Sheikh along with Singh after the trap operation.
According to the Lokayukta's account, the cash was handed over through Sheikh near the officer's chamber, following which the alleged transaction was intercepted by the anti-corruption team.
Case Registered Under Prevention of Corruption Act
A case has been registered under Section 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018.
Reports state that both accused were arrested in connection with the alleged bribery transaction. Further investigation into the case is underway.
GST Offices and the Need for Greater Transparency
The incident has also renewed discussions around transparency and accountability in tax administration. The alleged use of a private intermediary in the transaction has further drawn attention to the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms in taxpayer-facing processes.
However, the allegations in this case remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. The arrest and allegations should not be treated as a final determination of guilt.
Key Takeaways
- A Central GST Superintendent in Bengaluru was allegedly caught accepting Rs 8 lakh in a Lokayukta trap.
- The officer has been identified as Mohit Pratap Singh.
- The alleged transaction took place at Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala.
- Lokayukta officials alleged that the demand was connected with closing a pending GST complaint.
- A private individual, Salman Sheikh, was also arrested for his alleged role as a mediator.
- A case has been registered under Section 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
- The investigation into the allegations is continuing.
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