Bengaluru GST officer caught in ₹8 lakh bribe trap, mediator also named
A Central GST Superintendent was caught allegedly accepting an ₹8 lakh bribe through a mediator in Bengaluru, the Lokayukta said.
A Superintendent of Central GST was caught on camera allegedly accepting an ₹8 lakh bribe during a trap operation by the Bengaluru City Lokayukta, officials said. The officer was apprehended at Kendriya Sadan in Koramangala while taking the money through an intermediary.
The accused has been identified as Mohit Pratap Singh, Superintendent, Central GST, South Division-4, South Commissionerate. According to the Lokayukta, the money was demanded from a businessman in connection with pending Central GST dues and to close what was described as a false complaint against him.
The complainant, Syed Zameer, alleged that Singh had sought ₹8 lakh to shut down the complaint. Acting on his complaint, Lokayukta officials laid a trap and caught the officer allegedly accepting the cash through a mediator.
A private individual, Salman Sheikh, has also been named as an accused for allegedly acting as the go-between in the transaction.
What the law says
A GST officer cannot legally demand a bribe, and doing so is a serious criminal offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Officers caught face suspension, arrest and prosecution.
Bribery is punishable under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. A person convicted can face imprisonment of up to one year, along with a fine, or both, depending on the severity of the offence. Bribery by "treating" — where the gratification is in the form of food, drink or entertainment — is punishable by fine alone.
Reporting a bribe demand
Taxpayers can report GST corruption, extortion or illegal tax collection through official channels. Complaints can be filed online via the GST Self-Service Portal, through the toll-free helpdesk at 1800-103-4786, or escalated to anti-corruption branches and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.
For central government employees, complaints can be made to the Central Bureau of Investigation or the Central Vigilance Commission; for state employees, to the state Anti-Corruption Bureau or Lokayukta. In immediate extortion situations, the emergency number 112 can be dialled. If no action follows, a complainant can approach court.
Officials advise against paying a bribe, noting that it invites recurring extortion rather than a permanent fix. Preserving evidence — audio recordings, documents, notices, text messages and call logs — is important, along with keeping copies of all correspondence.