Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested an Income Tax Officer, Circle 10 (1) (4), Mumbai, while accepting a bribe of Rs. 4.5 lakhs through a Chartered Accountant based in Borivali.

The accused demanded an illegal gratification of Rs. 12.5 lakhs, of which the complainant has already paid Rs.8 lakhs for issuing the Income Tax Assessment Order of the firm of the complainant. As the remaining amount of Rs. 4.5 lakhs was not paid by complainant, the accused did not issue the Assessment Order, which the accused was supposed to be handed over to the complainant by 31.12.2008. The ITO was working under the supervision of Addl. Commissioner and was allegedly demanding bribe on behalf of the Addl. Commissioner. Earlier, the complainant met the Addl. Commissioner in the presence of the ITO when the demand was made by the accused.

During the trap laid by CBI, the accused was caught accepting bribe of Rs.4.5 lakhs and the same was recovered. Searches are going on and it indicates recovery of unaccounted properties of the accused.