The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken decisive action by apprehending a senior official from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) department in Mumbai. This official, identified as Hemant Kumar, holding the position of Superintendent at the Bhiwandi Commissionerate, was arrested on charges of soliciting and receiving a bribe of Rs 5 lakh. The arrest comes after allegations surfaced of Hemant Kumar seeking an illicit advantage of Rs 30 lakh from a complainant in exchange for resolving a pending GST case for a company.
However, investigations revealed that the accused engaged in negotiations that led to the bribe amount being lowered to Rs 15 lakh. In a strategic move, CBI officials set a trap that culminated in the arrest of Hemant Kumar while he was accepting the initial sum of Rs 5 lakh from the complainant. This was part of the larger bribe amount of Rs 15 lakh that he had allegedly demanded.
Following the arrest, searches were conducted at both Hemant Kumar’s office and residence. CBI officials managed to recover a substantial sum of Rs. 42.70 lakh in cash, alongside various documents pertaining to the accused’s assets, and other incriminating materials.
Subsequently, Hemant Kumar was presented before a special CBI judge, who remanded him to police custody until August 21. This resolute action by the CBI underscores their commitment to upholding justice and combating corruption within the government system.