In a shocking case of corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) caught an Income Tax officer red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹50,000 from a 62-year-old taxpayer. The officer, Hemant Kumar Nain, allegedly concealed his identity and posed as another official to extort money in connection with an income tax notice.
Bribery Scandal Unfolds
The case came to light after the elderly taxpayer's daughter filed a complaint, revealing that her father had received an income tax notice for the financial year 2019-20 (assessment year 2020-21). After submitting his response online on January 28, he received a WhatsApp call on February 5 from an individual claiming to be "Sanjay Kumar" from the Income Tax Office in New Delhi.
The caller allegedly informed the senior citizen that a demand notice of ₹1 crore was about to be issued and demanded a ₹5 lakh bribe to settle the case. Following negotiations, the bribe amount was reduced to ₹2 lakh, with instructions to pay via hawala or hand-deliver the money in Delhi.
CBI Sets a Trap, Catches Officer Red-Handed
The accused later agreed to collect the bribe at Netaji Subhash Place in New Delhi, where the CBI laid a trap and caught Hemant Kumar Nain in the act while accepting ₹50,000. Further investigations revealed that Nain had used the alias "Sanjay Kumar" to hide his identity.
Searches and Investigation Underway
Following his arrest, the CBI conducted searches at Nain's residence and office in Rohtak and Sonipat, Haryana, seizing key documents and electronic evidence. However, he was not taken into custody as he reportedly developed a medical condition after being caught. A case was officially registered against him on March 9, and further investigations are ongoing.
This case highlights continued efforts by the CBI to crack down on corruption within the tax administration. Taxpayers are urged to remain vigilant and report any such misconduct to the authorities.
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