New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against six individuals, including five Income Tax Department officials from Hyderabad and a private chartered accountant, for allegedly cheating taxpayers by extorting money under the threat of penalties. The case has exposed a major scam where officials misused confidential tax data to demand bribes from unsuspecting individuals.
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Key Accused in the Case:
- Smt. Gulnaz Rawoof, Income Tax Inspector
- Shri Kuthadi Srinivas Rao, Income Tax Inspector
- Shri Quamar Aulam Khan, Senior Tax Assistant, ITAT Hyderabad
- Shri Manish Sikrawal, Senior Tax Assistant, Aayakar Bhawan, Hyderabad
- Shri Mohammad Javeed, Senior Tax Assistant, Pr. CIT Office, Kondapur
- Shri Pulimamidi Bhagath, Chartered Accountant (Private Person)
Modus Operandi:
- The accused allegedly misused confidential taxpayer data from the Income Tax Department, specifically targeting individuals who had claimed high tax refunds.
- They then contacted these taxpayers, posing as officials, and threatened them with hefty penalties unless they agreed to pay bribes.
- The bribes were transferred to the bank account of the accused chartered accountant, who later distributed the money among the officials involved.
CBIโs Swift Action:
- The agency conducted raids at six locations in Hyderabad, recovering incriminating documents and digital evidence linking the accused to the scam.
- The investigation is still ongoing, and further arrests or revelations are expected as the case unfolds.
Broader Implications:
This case highlights corruption within tax administration, where officials allegedly exploited sensitive taxpayer information for personal gain. Such misuse of authority not only erodes trust in public institutions but also causes financial and emotional distress to honest taxpayers.
The CBIโs action sends a strong message about the governmentโs zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in public offices. As the investigation progresses, it is likely to shed light on deeper networks of financial misconduct within tax administration.
