CBI Arrests Senior IRS Official for Accepting ₹25 Lakh Bribe: Delhi Corruption Case Unfolds

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made a significant arrest in a corruption case involving a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) official. On May 30, 2025, the agency apprehended Amit Kumar Singal, an IRS official of the 2007 batch and currently posted as Additional Director-General with the Directorate of Taxpayer Services in Delhi, along with another individual, Harsh Kotak, on charges of accepting a ₹25 lakh bribe. The arrest was made after the CBI registered a case based on allegations that the official had demanded ₹45 lakh in illegal gratification from a complainant in exchange for favorable treatment from the Revenue/Income Tax Department. The demand was accompanied by threats of legal action, heavy penalties, and harassment if the bribe was not paid. The accused were caught after the CBI laid a trap, during which Kotak was found receiving the bribe on behalf of Singal at the latter’s residence in Mohali, Punjab. Singal was subsequently arrested from his Delhi accommodation in Vasant Kunj.

Background of the Case

The case against Singal and Kotak began when a complainant approached the CBI, alleging that the IRS official had demanded a bribe of ₹45 lakh for extending favorable treatment from the Revenue/Income Tax Department. The complainant reportedly faced threats of legal repercussions and financial penalties if the bribe was not paid. Acting swiftly on this information, the CBI decided to set a trap to catch the accused in the act. On the day of the arrest, the CBI caught Kotak red-handed while he was receiving ₹25 lakh from the complainant on behalf of Singal. Following the arrest, the CBI conducted searches at multiple locations in Delhi, Punjab, and Mumbai, as part of its investigation into the corruption allegations.

Key Highlights of the Case

* The CBI arrested Amit Kumar Singal, an IRS official of the 2007 batch, and Harsh Kotak on charges of accepting a ₹25 lakh bribe.
* The bribe was demanded in exchange for favorable treatment from the Revenue/Income Tax Department.
* The accused were caught after the CBI laid a trap, with Kotak receiving the bribe on behalf of Singal.
* Searches were conducted at multiple locations in Delhi, Punjab, and Mumbai as part of the investigation.
* The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within India’s tax administration.

Impact and Implications

The arrest of a senior IRS official on bribery charges underscores the pervasive nature of corruption in India’s bureaucracy. Such cases not only erode public trust in governmental institutions but also hinder the country’s economic growth by creating an unfair business environment. The CBI’s swift action in this case demonstrates the agency’s commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring that public servants are held accountable for their actions. However, it also raises questions about the systemic issues that allow such corruption to thrive and the need for more comprehensive reforms to prevent similar cases in the future.

Quotes and Reactions

While specific quotes from the CBI or other officials involved in the case are not available, the arrest has been seen as a significant step in the fight against corruption. Experts and anti-corruption activists have welcomed the move, emphasizing the importance of preventing corruption in public services to ensure fairness and transparency.

* “Corruption in the tax administration can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just individuals but the entire economy. The CBI’s action is a step in the right direction towards ensuring accountability and transparency,” said a legal expert.
* “The arrest of a senior IRS official on bribery charges highlights the need for stronger mechanisms to prevent corruption. It’s crucial that such cases are investigated thoroughly and that thos



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