The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two individuals, including Vijayendra, an IRS officer of the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, and Dinesh Kumar Agarwal, a private individual, for their alleged involvement in sabotaging the Faceless Scheme of Income Tax Assessment.
This scheme, introduced by the Government of India, aims to enhance transparency, reduce human interaction, and curb corruption in tax administration.
The investigation revealed that the accused conspired to contact taxpayers with high-value pending assessments, offering favourable outcomes in exchange for bribes. They allegedly accessed and shared confidential information, such as the names of assessment officers and case details, undermining the scheme’s integrity.
The CBI conducted searches at 18 locations across India, recovering incriminating documents, evidence of undue payments, and digital records. The arrested individuals are being presented before the jurisdictional court as the investigation continues.
This case highlights the challenges faced in implementing reforms aimed at ensuring impartial and corruption-free tax assessments.
