Mohali: In a high-profile crackdown on corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Amit Kumar Singhal, a 2007-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, serving as Additional Director General (ADG), Directorate of Taxpayer Services, and a private individual identified as Harsh Kotak, for allegedly demanding and accepting a ₹25 lakh bribe.
Demand of ₹45 Lakh in Exchange for Favourable Treatment
The arrests were made following a complaint alleging that Singhal demanded an illegal gratification of ₹45 lakh from the complainant, promising favourable treatment from the Revenue and Income Tax Department in return. The demand reportedly came with threats of legal action, penalties, and harassment in case of non-compliance.
CBI officials registered a case on May 31, 2025, after verifying the allegations. Acting swiftly, the agency laid a trap operation, which led to the arrest of Kotak as he accepted ₹25 lakh in cash—a partial payment of the total bribe.
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Caught Red-Handed at Mohali Residence
The bribe transaction allegedly took place at the IRS officer’s residence in Mohali. Harsh Kotak was caught red-handed while accepting the money on Singhal’s behalf.
Singhal himself was apprehended from his residence in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The CBI confirmed that both individuals were taken into custody and would be produced before a competent court.
Multiple Searches Across States
Simultaneously, CBI teams launched coordinated searches at several locations connected to the case in Delhi, Punjab, and Mumbai. These operations aim to uncover further evidence in what the agency believes could be a larger network of corruption.
“Investigation is continuing,” the CBI said in an official statement.
Statement from CBI
“The CBI has arrested two accused including a Senior Indian Revenue Service Officer 2007 batch, presently posted as Additional Director General, Directorate of Taxpayer Services, New Delhi, and a private person for demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹25 lakh from the complainant,” the agency said.
The agency reiterated that the bribe was being taken on behalf of the IRS officer and that both parties have been arrested under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Background on the Officer
Mr Singhal, known for holding senior positions in the Revenue Department, is facing serious allegations that could have broader implications within the tax administration framework. The arrest of such a senior officer sends a strong signal about the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
