CBI Nabs Rohtak Income Tax Officer Red-Handed Taking Rs. 50,000 Bribe

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended Hemant Kumar Nain, an Income Tax Officer from Rohtak, Haryana, for allegedly accepting a Rs. 50,000 bribe. Nain reportedly used the alias Sanjay Kumar to demand bribes in exchange for resolving tax-related issues.​

The case unfolded when a 62-year-old Mumbai-based businessman received an Income Tax notice for the 2019-20 financial year. After responding through the official portal, the businessman received a WhatsApp call on February 5 from an individual identifying himself as Sanjay Kumar from the Income Tax Department in New Delhi.

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The caller warned of an impending Rs. 1 crore demand notice and initially sought a Rs. 5 lakh bribe to prevent its issuance. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to Rs. 2 lakh, with the caller suggesting payment via hawala channels or in person in Delhi. ​

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Unwilling to comply, the businessman’s daughter reported the matter to the CBI. A trap was set at Netaji Subhash Place in Delhi, where Nain was caught accepting Rs. 50,000 from the complainant’s father. Upon arrest, Nain disclosed his true identity. Searches at his residences and offices in Rohtak and Sonipat, Haryana, led to the recovery of incriminating documents and electronic evidence.

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Notably, Nain was on study leave during this period. Following his apprehension, he developed a medical condition, preventing immediate custody by the CBI. Investigations also revealed that another Income Tax officer might have shared the victim’s assessment details with Nain.

This incident raises concerns about corruption within the Income Tax Department, especially given the government’s implementation of Faceless Assessments to restraint such malpractices. The CBI continues its investigation to uncover further details.

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