The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Anti-Corruption Branch in Chennai has registered an FIR against two officials from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Central Excise Department in Dharmapuri. The two officials, Superintendent Annadurai and Inspector Karthikeyan, allegedly asked for Rs 4 lakh and a monthly payment of Rs 10,000 to overlook issues in the shop owner’s tax filings.
Vediyappan, the owner of NVN Steel and Hardwares, reported that the officials contacted him in August, saying there were problems with the GST filings for his business. They claimed that his company had used tax credits incorrectly without paying enough taxes and that some of his sales bills might be fake.
According to Vediyappan, the officials warned that his tax liability could be as high as Rs 1.5 crore for the last two financial years if he didn’t pay the bribe.
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After investigating, the CBI found enough evidence to support the complaint and filed the case against the officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The state government granted permission for the case on October 22, and the investigation is ongoing.
Initially, Vediyappan and his auditor sought leniency, after which the bribe was reportedly reduced to Rs 4 lakh. The GST officials repeatedly requested the bribe. However, Vediyappan declined to make the payment, leading the officials to threaten legal action.
On October 7, Vediyappan filed a formal complaint with the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch in Chennai.
After investigating, the CBI found enough evidence to support the complaint and filed the case against the officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The state government granted permission for the case on October 22, and the investigation is ongoing.
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