CBI Arrests Two CBDT Officers in Panaji for Alleged Bribe in Pending Contractor Bills Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested two assistant accounts officers of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in Panaji for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe. The officers, Pankaj Kumar and Aul Wani, were accused of withholding a contractor’s bills for seven months and demanding a bribe of Rs 2 lakh, later negotiated down to Rs 1 lakh, for their release. The contractor, Kamlakant Chaturvedi, filed a complaint with the CBI, leading to a trap being set. The CBI caught the officers red-handed while accepting the bribe. The case was registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. This incident highlights ongoing issues of corruption within government departments and the efforts of the CBI to address such malpractices. The arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and accountability in public service and the need for continued vigilance against corruption.