CBI nabs two top I-T officers for taking bribe

JODHPUR: Two income tax officers, including the chief commissioner of Income Tax, were arrested by the CBI here on Tuesday on charges of accepting a bribe from a businessman.

CBI sleuths caught I-T officer Shailendra Bhandari red-handed while receiving a bribe of Rs 15 lakh from the businessman, allegedly on behalf of the chief commissioner of Income Tax Pawan Kumar Sharma, at the showroom of a jeweler who was said to be acting as a mediator.

Based on Bhandari's information, CBI sleuths brought Sharma to the showroom, where the investigation was on till late night. Sleuths also sealed the offices of Sharma and Bhandari and raided the I-T guesthouse, where Sharma was staying, and the residence of Bhandari.

Sources said a case of tax settlement with a businessman from Barmer was pending before the I-T department. Sharma was pressuring him for settling the case for huge price ahead of the financial year closing, and told Bhandari to get the money.

"The harassed businessman complained to the CBI. As planned, the businessman arrived in Jodhpur on Tuesday and reached a jewellery showroom, Anant Ram Katta Jewellers, where Bhandari was waiting. The showroom was the spot to settle the deal," said a source.

The moment Bhandari accepted Rs 15 lakh from the businessman, sleuths swooped down on them catching Bhandari with his hand in the till. Bhandari then alleged he was collecting the money on behalf of the chief commissioner, following which sleuths rushed to the IT office and brought Sharma to the shop.

Three CBI teams are stationed in the offices of both the officers and their homes. Sharma, who has his family settled in Jaipur and was transferred to Jodhpur in November last, has been staying at the I-T guesthouse.