CBI Arrests Raigad CGST Superintendent: ₹1 Crore Bribery Case

• The CBI arrested CGST Superintendent Pankaj Kumar and consultant Prasad Kumar Swami in an alleged ₹1 crore bribery case.
• The alleged bribe was demanded for issuing an NOC and facilitating the handover of government flats for redevelopment in New Panvel.
• The complaint detailed a staged demand, including ₹10 lakh cash, ₹20 lakh for a flat down payment, and ₹70 lakh allegedly for other officers.
• The CBI laid a trap on September 10, leading to the arrests after the initial ₹10 lakh payment was allegedly directed to the consultant.
• Both accused were remanded to two days of CBI custody following their court appearance on September 11.

The alleged use of official authority to solicit illegal gratification from a private developer for a critical NOC and the handover of government-owned flats is a central focus of the ongoing anti-corruption investigation.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a superintendent from the CGST and Central Excise Raigad Commissionerate, along with a consultant, in connection with an alleged ₹1 crore bribery demand. The arrests stem from an India anti-corruption investigation focused on the redevelopment of government-owned flats in New Panvel, Maharashtra. Pankaj Kumar, also known as Pankaj Rajput, a Superintendent in the Land and Building Section, and consultant Prasad Kumar Swami, were identified as the individuals taken into custody.

The case was formally registered by the CBI on September 9, following a complaint lodged by the project head of a private real-estate company. This company was engaged in the redevelopment of two buildings, comprising 24 flats, situated in Sector 17, New Panvel. These properties are under the ownership of the CGST and Central Excise Raigad Commissionerate. The complaint detailed that Kumar allegedly sought the substantial sum for issuing a crucial no-objection certificate (NOC) and facilitating the handover of these flats for the redevelopment project.

The alleged bribe was structured to be paid in multiple installments. During the verification process of the complaint, the CBI uncovered that Kumar reportedly requested an immediate cash payment of ₹10 lakh. This was to be followed by ₹20 lakh designated as a down payment for a flat he was in the process of purchasing. A further ₹70 lakh was to be paid at a subsequent stage, which Kumar allegedly indicated was intended for other officers within the Directorate General of Human Resource Development, CGST, located in New Delhi. However, no evidence has been found to substantiate any wrongdoing by these unnamed officers.

The alleged demand for ₹1 crore by the Raigad CGST superintendent, Pankaj Kumar, centered on securing necessary clearances for the Panvel redevelopment bribe case. The initial ₹10 lakh payment was a critical component of this alleged scheme. To intercept this transaction, the CBI orchestrated a trap operation on September 10. This action was taken after Kumar reportedly instructed the complainant to deliver the initial ₹10 lakh to the consultant, Prasad Kumar Swami.

Swami was allegedly present to receive the funds when the CBI operation was executed, leading to his immediate arrest alongside Kumar on the same day. Both accused individuals were subsequently presented before a competent court on September 11, where they were remanded to two days of CBI custody. It is important to note that while the overall investigation encompasses the entire alleged ₹1 crore demand, the specific trap laid by the CBI focused exclusively on the initial ₹10 lakh payment.

This incident highlights the persistent risk of corruption in obtaining government clearances, particularly no-objection certificates for real estate projects in India. The alleged use of official authority to solicit illegal gratification from a private developer for a critical NOC and the handover of government-owned flats is a central focus of the ongoing anti-corruption investigation.

The CBI's investigation into the alleged Raigad CGST NOC bribery extends beyond the immediate arrests, aiming to thoroughly examine the official roles of the accused, the specifics of the redevelopment approvals, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged demand. Investigators are expected to scrutinize the ₹20 lakh component of the alleged bribe, which Kumar reportedly intended for a flat down payment. This will involve a detailed examination of payment instructions, property records, relevant communications, and the financial relationship between Pankaj Kumar and the consultant, Prasad Kumar Swami.

The arrest of Prasad Kumar Swami has brought his role under intense scrutiny. The CBI will seek to determine the precise nature of his involvement: whether he was merely present during the alleged transaction, acted as a knowing intermediary, or played a more significant role in orchestrating the payment. The agency's findings will clarify the extent of his participation and whether it extended beyond simply receiving the initial payment.

Furthermore, the alleged reference to ₹70 lakh being earmarked for other CGST officers may prompt the CBI to broaden its inquiry to ascertain if additional individuals were involved in the scheme. Investigators are likely to examine call records, messages, financial documents, and communications pertinent to the redevelopment approval process. This comprehensive approach aims to uncover any potential wider network of corruption and to determine if similar demands have been made in other instances, reinforcing the need for robust anti-bribery protocols under the Prevention of Corruption Act India.

This case underscores the persistent risk of corruption in obtaining government clearances, particularly NOCs for real estate projects in India. Lawyers advising developers and compliance officers must reinforce anti-bribery protocols and due diligence when interacting with public servants to mitigate exposure under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Source: Original reporting via Times Now