Family Trip to Matheran in Exchange for Issuing 100% DIT Relief Certificates: CBI Files Bribery Case Against Income Tax Inspector

The Central Bureau of Investigation ( CBI ) launched an investigation into a Mumbai-based Income Tax inspector accused of accepting bribes to quick official processes. Subodh Roy, formerly posted with the International Taxation Circle, and an employee of Cosco Shipping Lines (India) Pvt Ltd, Shuaib Khan, are under scrutiny for their alleged roles in a corruption case.

The case revolves around the issuance of 100% DIT Relief Certificates which grant exemptions from Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) for companies. According to the CBI, Subodh Roy allegedly conspired with Shuaib Khan to process and expedite these certificates in exchange for personal benefits.

In April 2024, Khan approached Roy to secure a 100% DIT Relief Certificate for newly added vessels. The certificate was processed and issued on April 29, 2024. After Khan paid Rs. 25,000 to book a two-day hotel stay in Matheran for Roy and his family which investigators claim was a bribe.

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The CBI’s verification revealed that:

• Khan made a hotel booking in his own name and paid Rs. 10,000 on April 30, 2024, and the remaining Rs. 15,000 on May 7, 2024.
• Roy, accompanied by his family, checked into the hotel on May 5 and stayed until May 7, utilizing the booking paid for by Khan.

The CBI alleges this hotel stay constitutes an undue advantage received by Roy in exchange for processing the certificate. The CBI conducted searches at multiple locations linked to the accused, gathering evidence to substantiate the claims. A case has been filed under various charges, including Criminal conspiracy, Bribery of a public servant, Undue influence in official matters, and Abetment

The investigation revealed that Roy had been under CBI surveillance during his tenure at the International Taxation Circle. Following internal authorization from the Income Tax department, the CBI formally registered the case.

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Cosco Shipping Lines (India) Pvt Ltd is also implicated in the case. The company’s representative, Shuaib Khan, is accused of facilitating the bribe by financing Roy’s hotel stay. The company is now under investigation for abetment and potential involvement in systemic corruption.

Since the incident, Subodh Roy has been transferred to another branch of the Income Tax department. His role in similar transactions is being examined and more disclosures are expected as the investigation progresses.

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