Why was a Senior Tax Official Arrested in Odisha?
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Synopsis
A senior tax official in Odisha was apprehended for allegedly accepting bribes from a businessman. This incident highlights ongoing corruption issues within the state's tax administration. Stay tuned as we unravel the details of this bribery case and its implications for the public sector.
Key Takeaways
- Corruption in Public Sector: Highlights the ongoing battle against corruption.
- Bribery Details: The case involved a bribe of Rs 12,000.
- Legal Framework: The arrest falls under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
- Public Trust: Emphasizes the need for integrity in public services.
- Vigilance Action: Shows proactive measures by the Odisha Vigilance.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 29 (NationPress) The Odisha Vigilance apprehended a senior tax official on Wednesday after he was caught in the act of accepting a bribe from a businessman in exchange for waiving a penalty related to unpaid professional tax over three financial years.
The implicated official, Umakanta Mahakur, serves as the Assistant CT & GST Officer in Titlagarh, located in the Balangir district.
As detailed in an official statement from the Odisha Vigilance, Mahakur was arrested on October 29 for receiving Rs 12,000 from a businessman. This bribe was solicited to eliminate the penalty that had been levied against the complainant for not paying professional tax over three years.
The businessman had neglected to remit a total professional tax of Rs 7,500 (at Rs 2,500 per year). As a result, he received a notice from Mahakur demanding Rs 23,600, which included taxes, fines, and interest.
After receiving the notice, the businessman approached Mahakur, asking him to accept only the tax amount. However, Mahakur declined and insisted on a bribe of Rs 12,000 to waive the fine and interest. Reluctant to comply, the businessman reported the incident to the Vigilance authorities. The Odisha Vigilance team subsequently set a trap on October 29, acting on his complaint.
During the operation, Mahakur was caught red-handed in his office while receiving the bribe from the complainant. The total bribe amount was recovered and confiscated in the presence of witnesses.
In the aftermath, the Odisha Vigilance conducted simultaneous searches at his government residence in Subarnapur, his home in Gandhinagar Pada in Balangir, and his office at Titlagarh.
The accused has been arrested and is to be presented in court on Thursday. A case has been registered on October 28 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize the importance of transparency and integrity in public service. The arrest of a senior tax official in Odisha for bribery underscores the urgent need for robust anti-corruption measures. We must ensure that our public institutions operate with the utmost integrity, serving the interests of the citizens.
NationPress
31/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason behind the arrest of the tax official?
The tax official was arrested for accepting a bribe from a businessman to waive a penalty for non-payment of professional tax over three financial years.
How much was the bribe amount?
The bribe amount was Rs 12,000.
What actions did the Vigilance team take?
The Vigilance team set a trap and caught the official red-handed while he was accepting the bribe.
What legal action has been taken against the official?
A case has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
What is the significance of this incident?
This incident highlights ongoing issues of corruption within the public sector in Odisha and the need for accountability.
