CBI Nabs GST Officials in Alleged Bribe for Registration Clearance
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a Superintendent and an Inspector posted in the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Ranipet Range, in connection with an alleged bribery incident linked to a GST registration matter. The case highlights the criminal consequences of demanding illegal gratification for processing statutory registrations and reinforces the continuing anti-corruption stance of investigative agencies.
Background of the Bribery Allegations
According to the CBI, a complaint was received on 07.04.2026 against a Superintendent of GST, Ranipet Range. The complainant alleged that:
- The GST Superintendent had demanded an illegal payment of Rs. 30,000 to “facilitate” the clearance of a GST registration.
- Following negotiations, the alleged bribe demand was reduced, and the Superintendent ultimately agreed to accept Rs. 15,000.
- The complainant was instructed to hand over this reduced bribe amount on
07.04.2026.
The registration in question pertained to a GST-related approval process, and the bribe was allegedly demanded as a precondition for moving the registration forward, rather than processing it on its lawful merits.
CBI Trap Proceedings and Arrest
Laying of Trap
Acting upon the complaint, the CBI registered a case on 07.04.2026 against the concerned GST Superintendent. On the same day, the agency organized a trap operation to verify the allegations and catch the official while purportedly accepting the illegal gratification.
During the trap:
- The CBI team arranged for the complainant to meet the Superintendent as instructed, carrying the amount of Rs. 15,000.
- As per the CBI’s press release, the Superintendent, posted as a GST official in the Ranipet Range, allegedly proceeded to demand the reduced bribe amount.
- The CBI team intervened and apprehended the Superintendent during this demand phase of the operation.
Involvement of the Inspector and Attempt to Destroy Evidence
Further developments during the trap brought to light the role of an Inspector attached to the same GST range:
- During the continuation of the trap proceedings, the CBI detected the Inspector’s alleged involvement.
- The Inspector reportedly took possession of the bribe amount and concealed it in a toilet commode.
- On sensing the presence and activities of the trap team, the Inspector allegedly attempted to flush the currency notes in order to destroy the evidence.
- Despite this attempt, the CBI team succeeded in recovering the trap amount from the toilet.
Both the Superintendent and the Inspector were formally arrested following these events.
Current Status of the Case
The CBI has stated that: