CBI arrests CGST officials in Gujarat for demanding Rs 75k bribe

Ahmedabad: On alleged bribery charges, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two officials of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) in Gujarat. The accused, from the Bharuch district of the state, allegedly demanded bribes of Rs 75,000, PTI reported.

An official said that the arrestees were a superintendent and assistant commissioner of the CGST and both were produced before a court. The court remanded them to police custody till, Monday.

The CBI released a statement saying that the accused sought a bribe for the transportation of goods from Modasa to Vapi (both in Gujarat) through his jurisdiction. The accused also demanded a monthly undue advantage of ₹ 1.5 lakh for the regular movement of goods in his jurisdiction, according to the complainant's claims.

"The CBI laid a trap and caught the superintendent red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹ 75,000 from the complainant. During the proceedings, the role of the assistant commissioner, CGST, Ankleshwar, was allegedly found in the demand and acceptance of undue advantage. He was also caught," the release said.

CBI conducted searches at premises owned by both the accused. The probe agency has recovered approximately ₹ 1.97 lakh from the accused superintendent.