In a major crackdown on high-level corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and his associate for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹25 lakh in the national capital.
The accused, identified as Amit Kumar Singal, a 2007-batch IRS officer currently serving as Additional Director General, Directorate of Taxpayer Services, New Delhi, and his aide Harsh Kotak, were arrested following a sting operation conducted by the agency.
The Allegations
According to an official CBI statement, a case was registered on Saturday after a complainant alleged that Singal had demanded an illegal gratification of ₹45 lakh in return for favorable action from the Revenue/Income Tax Department. The accused reportedly threatened the complainant with punitive action, including legal consequences and financial penalties, if the bribe was not paid.
Acting swiftly, the CBI laid a trap and caught Harsh Kotak red-handed while accepting a ₹25 lakh part payment on Singal’s behalf at the IRS officer’s residence in Mohali, Punjab. Singal was later arrested from his home in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
Post-Arrest Developments
Both accused were taken into custody and are expected to be produced before the competent court shortly. In the aftermath of the arrests, CBI officials launched search operations across multiple locations connected to the duo in Delhi, Punjab, and Mumbai. The agency stated that the investigation is ongoing and further evidence is being collected to ascertain the full scope of the alleged corruption.
What’s Next?
This case adds to growing concerns over corruption at senior levels within India’s civil services and highlights the CBI’s continued efforts to clamp down on bribery and abuse of public office. The agency has confirmed that more developments could follow as the investigation progresses.
