In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through the revenue department, a Ludhiana court has ordered a criminal investigation against several Income Tax officials following serious allegations of extortion and abuse of power.
The Allegations That Sparked the Probe
The case centers around shocking claims that a group of Income Tax officials allegedly extorted a staggering ₹5 lakh from a local businessman during a raid conducted in 2021. According to court documents, the officials are accused of using their authority to pressure the businessman into paying the substantial amount under dubious circumstances.
Judicial Intervention and Directions
The court of Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMIC) Shubham Mehta has taken a firm stance on the matter, directing the Ludhiana police to register a formal First Information Report (FIR) against the accused officials. The magistrate specifically ordered that the case be investigated under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:
- Section 384 (extortion)
- Section 388 (extortion putting person in fear of death or grievous hurt)
- Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy)
A Pattern of Alleged Misconduct
This isn't the first time these particular officials have faced scrutiny. Court records reveal that the same group of Income Tax officers had previously been accused of similar misconduct in another case. The repeated nature of these allegations has raised serious questions about accountability within the department.
Broader Implications for Tax Administration
The court's decision to order a criminal probe rather than an internal departmental investigation marks a significant escalation in addressing the allegations. This move signals a growing intolerance for alleged corruption within government departments and could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
Legal experts suggest that this case could have far-reaching consequences for how Income Tax officials conduct raids and investigations across the country, potentially leading to stricter protocols and enhanced oversight mechanisms.
The Income Tax Department has yet to issue an official statement regarding the court's order, leaving many wondering about the internal repercussions for the accused officials and what measures the department will take to restore public confidence in its operations.
