The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a CGST superintendent and a consultant in Maharashtra’s Raigad district for allegedly demanding a ₹1 crore bribe from a private real estate company.
The accused have been identified as Superintendent Pankaj Kumar and CGST consultant Prasad Kumar Swami. The CBI arrested both on Thursday while they were allegedly accepting ₹10 lakh as part of the demanded amount.
₹1 crore allegedly demanded for NOC and redevelopment
According to the CBI, the case relates to a redevelopment project in Sector 17, New Panvel. A private real estate company is redeveloping two buildings that include 24 flats owned by the CGST and Central Excise, Raigad Commissionerate.
The project head of the company allegedly complained that Superintendent Pankaj Kumar had demanded ₹1 crore in exchange for handing over the 24 flats for redevelopment and issuing an NOC.
The CBI registered an FIR after receiving the complaint and began an investigation. The agency said the alleged bribe demand was subsequently confirmed.
Bribe allegedly divided into 3 payments
According to the CBI, on September 10, Kumar allegedly explained how the ₹1 crore was to be paid.
The alleged arrangement included ₹10 lakh in cash, ₹20 lakh as the down payment for a flat and ₹70 lakh for other officials.
CBI lays trap, arrests both accused
The CBI laid a trap on Thursday after Kumar allegedly directed the complainant to hand over ₹10 lakh to consultant Prasad Kumar Swami.
The agency arrested both accused during the operation while the alleged bribe was being accepted.
They were produced before a court on Friday and sent to two days of CBI custody.
Bribe-taking can lead to 7 years in jail
Under the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, a public servant convicted of accepting a bribe can face three to seven years in prison and a fine.
Giving a bribe is also an offence and can attract up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. However, the law provides protection in certain circumstances where a person was compelled to pay a bribe and reports it to the authorities within seven days.
How CBI trap operations work
When a government official allegedly demands a bribe, a complainant can approach the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB). After verifying the complaint, the agency can plan a trap operation.
The complainant is then instructed to hand over the specified amount to the accused. In such operations, currency notes may be treated with a special chemical to help establish contact with the bribe.
Once the accused allegedly accepts the money, the CBI team intervenes and conducts a chemical test as part of the investigation.
Complaints can be filed with CBI’s ACB
People can approach the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch if a government official allegedly demands a bribe for performing an official duty. Complaints can be submitted in writing to the concerned CBI office or through an official complaint mechanism.
The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) also provides an online platform for complaints related to corruption involving covered public servants and organisations.
What evidence can help an investigation?
A complaint should provide details such as the official’s name, the work for which the bribe was allegedly demanded, the date or circumstances of the demand and the amount sought.
Any relevant call recordings, messages, emails or documents should be preserved. Such material may help investigators verify the allegations and establish the circumstances of the alleged demand.
