Nagpur: The Nagpur Commissionerate of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) has suspended four of its employees, including two superintendents and two inspectors, on charges of extorting money from an electronics businessman in Abhyankar Nagar. The suspension has caused a stir within the department.

The suspended employees include Superintendent Vijay Sundar, Superintendent Ayush Agarwal, Inspector Pawan Sutar, and Inspector Pushpendramani Tripathi. According to sources, the employees visited the office of a prominent electronics businessman and allegedly threatened action for tax evasion. It is reported that the employees demanded a bribe in exchange for dropping the matter and even visited the businessman multiple times despite not being authorized to handle tax evasion cases.

Suspicious of their actions, the businessman filed a complaint with the Chief Commissioner of Central GST. Reports suggest the businessman, known for his political connections, also escalated the matter to the GST headquarters in Delhi.

Investigation and Suspension:

Following the complaint, the CGST intelligence team monitored the employees closely. Evidence, including CCTV footage, reportedly captured their demands for bribes. Investigations confirmed that the four employees had visited the businessman’s premises without proper authorization.

When questioned, the employees failed to provide satisfactory explanations. Consequently, Principal Commissioner Atul Rastogi suspended Superintendents Vijay Sundar and Ayush Agarwal, while Commissioner Avinosh Thete suspended Inspectors Pawan Sutar and Pushpendramani Tripathi.

Details of the Suspended Inspectors:

Both suspended inspectors were on probation, having joined CGST only a year ago. As per rules, probationary inspectors are not permitted to conduct raids or approach businesses without prior approval from higher authorities. It was revealed that the inspectors acted under the instructions of the superintendents.

As per protocol, any action regarding tax evasion requires prior approval from the Deputy Commissioner or Commissioner. Businesses must first be issued a notice and given an opportunity to respond before any punitive measures are taken.

Ongoing Investigation:

The CGST Commissionerate has confirmed that the employees were suspended after their unauthorized visits were proven. The CCTV footage was a crucial piece of evidence in confirming their irregularities. The department’s preventive intelligence wing monitored the case and recommended the suspensions.