CBI Takes Action Against Corruption in Visakhapatnam Income Tax Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), operating from its Visakhapatnam wing, has initiated a significant crackdown on corruption by filing a First Information Report (FIR) against an assistant director-rank officer in the income tax department. The officer, identified as Amrit Kumar, is accused of engaging in corrupt practices and illegal activities, specifically by allegedly obtaining substantial illegal gratification to provide undue favours in an income tax case.
Arrests Made in Connection with the Scandal
In a related development, CBI officials have registered a case against two additional individuals, including a school correspondent and a chartered accountant, alongside Amrit Kumar. The investigation also implicates several unknown public servants and private persons, broadening the scope of the probe. On February 5, authorities arrested Nerella Venkata Rajesh, the correspondent of Nalanda English Medium School, and Grandhi Sarath Kumar, a chartered accountant. These arrests were made based on allegations that they mediated between Rajesh and income tax officials to facilitate a corrupt deal.
Details of the Alleged Corruption Scheme
According to the CBI, the agency received specific information about assistant director Amrit Kumar, who works in the investigation wing of unit III (1) within the income tax department. The investigation revealed that Kumar discovered an assessee, Venkata Rajesh, had misused funds amounting to Rs 2 crore from a society by transferring them to his personal account. In response, the income tax officer suggested certain corrections to the income tax return that needed to be filed for the said society. Allegedly, Kumar demanded an illegal gratification of Rs 20 lakh, which was later negotiated down to Rs 14 lakh, in exchange for showing undue favour to Rajesh by overlooking the misuse of funds.
The chartered accountant, Grandhi Sarath Kumar, is accused of acting as a mediator in this corrupt transaction. He allegedly collected the money from Rajesh to pay the income tax officer, facilitating the bribe. The arrests of Rajesh and Sarath Kumar were executed at Narsipatnam, marking a critical step in the ongoing investigation.
Legal Charges Filed Against the Accused
CBI officials have booked all three individuals—Amrit Kumar, Nerella Venkata Rajesh, and Grandhi Sarath Kumar—under section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, as well as sections 7 and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. These charges pertain to bribery, corruption, and the abuse of official position, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations. The case underscores the CBI's commitment to combating corruption within government departments and ensuring accountability among public servants.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to probe the involvement of other unknown persons and potential further irregularities. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to maintain integrity in public service and financial systems.
