CBI Arrests CGST Superintendent, Consultant In ₹1-Crore Bribery Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Superintendent and a consultant of the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) department in a bribery case. The arrests were made on Friday, September 11, 2026, in connection with a redevelopment project in New Panvel.

The accused have been identified as Pankaj Kumar, Superintendent of the Land and Building Section at the office of the Commissioner of CGST and Central Excise, Raigad, and P.K. Swami, a CGST consultant. The CBI registered a case against them on Wednesday based on a complaint by a private realty company.

The realty company had undertaken a redevelopment project of two buildings at Sector 17, New Panvel, which included 24 flats owned by the CGST and Central Excise, Raigad Commissionerate. The necessary approvals from the local authority had already been received.

According to the CBI, the accused Superintendent demanded ₹1 crore for the No Objection Certificate (NOC) and handing over of the flats for redevelopment. The demand included ₹10 lakh in cash, ₹20 lakh as a down payment for a flat purchased by the accused officer, and ₹70 lakh at a later stage for other officers of CGST, New Delhi.

The CBI laid a trap on Thursday and caught the accused Superintendent directing the complainant to hand over ₹10 lakh to the CGST consultant. Both accused were arrested on Friday and produced before a court, which granted two days of police custody.

The CBI investigation revealed that the accused officer had been demanding bribes for facilitating the redevelopment project. The case is a significant example of the CBI's efforts to curb corruption in government departments.

The redevelopment project in New Panvel is one of several initiatives aimed at improving the infrastructure and living conditions in the area. The project involves the redevelopment of old buildings and the construction of new ones, which will provide better housing facilities for the residents.

The CBI's action in this case sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in government departments. The agency's efforts to investigate and prosecute corruption cases are essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in the system.

The accused will be produced before the court again after the completion of the police custody, and the CBI will continue to investigate the case to uncover any other involvement or corruption.

The case has significant implications for the real estate sector in Mumbai and surrounding regions, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in government dealings. The CBI's action is a step towards ensuring that corruption is eradicated, and the public can have faith in the system.

In conclusion, the CBI's arrest of the CGST Superintendent and consultant in the ₹1-crore bribery case is a significant development in the fight against corruption. The case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government departments and the need for strict action against those involved in corrupt practices.