CBI arrests Mumbai income tax inspector over Rs 15 lakh bribe; Yeola talathi caught taking Rs 1,500

Two bribe-takers were caught today in Mumbai and Nashik district, as cases of bribery continue to surface across the state every day. The CBI arrested an income tax inspector in Mumbai red-handed while accepting Rs 15 lakh, while at Yeola in Nashik district a talathi was caught in a trap laid by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while accepting Rs 1,500.

In the Mumbai case, according to the CBI, the accused income tax officer had demanded a bribe of Rs 20 lakh to close a benami property case. After negotiation, the deal was settled at Rs 15 lakh. The CBI then laid a trap and caught the accused as he accepted the Rs 15 lakh.

After the arrest, the accused's home was searched. Cash of Rs 11 lakh and some important documents were seized in the search. The accused works in the investigation wing of the Income Tax Department at Scindia House.

The CBI produced the accused before a competent court in Mumbai. The court sent him to two days of police custody, until October 30. The CBI is conducting further investigation into the case.

In the Yeola case, Rahul Rinde, the talathi posted at Chichondi in Yeola taluka of Nashik district, was detained by the ACB while accepting a bribe of Rs 1,500. He is alleged to have demanded Rs 2,000 from a farmer for making an entry on a copy of the 7/12 land record extract.

The farmer filed a complaint. Following the complaint, a trap was laid. After negotiation, the amount was fixed at Rs 1,500. As soon as the talathi took the money, the ACB Nashik team caught him red-handed in his office.

The action has caused a stir in the revenue department. A climate of fear is also visible among officials and employees in other administrative offices who take bribes.

The ACB has stepped up action in the state. Several actions have been taken in bribery cases over the past few months.