New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a CGST superintendent and a consultant in connection with an alleged Rs 1 crore bribery case involving a redevelopment project in New Panvel, Maharashtra.
The arrests followed a complaint filed by the project head of a private real estate company undertaking redevelopment work in Navi Mumbai.
Rs 1 Crore Allegedly Demanded
The CBI registered an FIR on Wednesday after receiving the complaint concerning the redevelopment of two buildings in Sector 17 of New Panvel.
The project included 24 flats belonging to the CGST and Central Excise, Raigad Commissionerate.
According to the complaint, Superintendent Pankaj Kumar allegedly demanded Rs 1 crore for issuing a no-objection certificate and handing over the flats for redevelopment.
The CBI subsequently carried out verification of the allegations before launching further action.
Bribe Payment Split Into Parts
During verification, Kumar allegedly demanded Rs 10 lakh in cash on September 10.
According to the CBI, another Rs 20 lakh was allegedly sought towards the down payment for a flat purchased by the superintendent.
The remaining Rs 70 lakh was allegedly to be paid later for other officers of DG HRD CGST in New Delhi.
CBI Lays Trap
The investigating agency laid a trap on Thursday to catch the accused while allegedly accepting part of the bribe.
The CBI said Kumar directed the complainant to hand over Rs 10 lakh to CGST consultant Prasad Kumar Swami, who was present at the location.
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The agency subsequently arrested both Kumar and Swami in connection with the case.
Two Days In Police Custody
Both accused were produced before the competent court on Friday following their arrests.
The court remanded them to two days of police custody as the CBI continued its investigation into the alleged bribery arrangement.
The agency is examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged demand and the roles of individuals connected with the transaction. Further investigation in the case is underway.
