Four employees of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Nagpur Commissionerate, including two superintendents and two probationary inspectors, were suspended for allegedly extorting money from a prominent electronics businessman in Abhyankar Nagar.
The suspended employees, identified as Superintendents Vijay Sundar and Ayush Agarwal, and Inspectors Pawan Sutar and Pushpendramani Tripathi, reportedly visited the businessman’s office without authorization and demanded a bribe under the pretext of tax evasion action. Despite lacking jurisdiction, the employees visited the businessman multiple times, prompting him to file a complaint with the Chief Commissioner of CGST.
Following the complaint, the CGST intelligence team launched an inquiry and monitored the employees’ activities. Evidence, including CCTV footage, confirmed their unauthorized visits and demands for bribes.
Principal Commissioner Atul Rastogi and Commissioner Avinosh Thete ordered their suspension after the employees failed to provide satisfactory explanations during questioning.
Officials stated that as per protocol, tax evasion actions require approval from senior authorities and must begin with a formal notice to the concerned party. The case has triggered a departmental probe, with CGST authorities refraining from disclosing further details due to the ongoing investigation.
This suspension has caused a significant stir within the department.