CGST Officer Apprehended by ACB in Rajkot Bribery Sting Operation
The Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has made a significant arrest in Rajkot, catching a Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) department officer in the act of accepting an illegal bribe. The accused, identified as Dharmendra Yadav, a 30-year-old Class-II officer, was trapped while taking a cash payment of Rs 5,000.
Details of the Bribery Demand and Complaint
The case originated from a complaint filed by a local businessman and his partner, who operate an export-import firm. As part of the standard verification procedure for their business, Officer Yadav visited the firm's registered address to conduct an official inspection. Following this visit, the complainant alleged that Yadav explicitly demanded a bribe of Rs 5,000 on February 8. The officer reportedly promised to submit the final verification report in exchange for the illicit payment.
ACB's Swift Action and Trap Execution
Acting promptly on the complaint, the Anti-Corruption Bureau laid a meticulous trap to catch the officer red-handed. ACB officer R R Solanki provided details to the media, confirming that the operation was successfully carried out near the Racecourse Ground area in Rajkot. During the sting, the entire bribe amount of Rs 5,000 was recovered from Dharmendra Yadav's possession, providing concrete evidence for the case.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Filed
Following the successful trap, the Anti-Corruption Bureau has registered a formal case against the accused CGST officer. The charges have been filed under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which deals specifically with offenses committed by public servants. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb corruption within government departments, particularly those involved in taxation and business regulation.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by entrepreneurs during regulatory processes and reinforces the commitment of authorities to maintain integrity in public service. The case will now proceed through the judicial system, where the evidence collected by the ACB will be presented for legal adjudication.
