The Vigilance Department arrested Umakant Mahakur, Assistant Commercial Tax and GST Officer of Titlagarh, for accepting a ₹12,000 bribe from a local businessman.
Mahakur demanded the bribe from Ramesh Bastia, a trader from Gandapatrapali in Saintala block, to cancel a false penalty. Ramesh had a legitimate tax due of ₹7,500, but Mahakur inflated the penalty to ₹23,600, citing delays. When Ramesh sought resolution, Mahakur asked for ₹12,000 to waive the penalty.
Ramesh approached the Bolangir Vigilance Department and filed a formal complaint. The officials responded quickly, set up a trap, and caught Mahakur red-handed while he took the bribe. The team then raided Mahakur’s residence in Bolangir and his office in Titlagarh.
DSP Pulasti Chhatria led the operation, joined by Inspector Dilip Pradhan from Sambalpur, Sonia Badek, and other officers. The team seized evidence and documented the transaction.
Local traders and contractors reacted strongly to the arrest. Many had previously accused Mahakur of enabling tax evasion in exchange for bribes. His arrest confirmed those suspicions and exposed deeper corruption within the GST department.
The case highlights the need for stricter oversight and accountability in tax administration. Vigilance officials continue to investigate Mahakur’s activities and connections.
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