The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against six individuals, including five officials from the Income Tax Department based in Hyderabad and a chartered accountant, over allegations of cheating taxpayers.
The accused officials include two Income Tax Inspectors and three Senior Tax Assistants, who were allegedly involved in misusing sensitive tax data to extort money from assesses.
According to the CBI, the accused public servants conspired with a chartered accountant to gain unlawful financial benefits. They are alleged to have exploited information circulated by the Income Tax Department regarding taxpayers claiming high tax refunds. Under the pretext of initiating inquiries, the officials reportedly used this data to contact taxpayers, threatening them with heavy penalties unless payments were made. The misappropriated funds were then transferred into the accounts of the chartered accountant before being redirected to the accused officials.
As part of its investigation, the CBI conducted searches at six locations linked to the accused in Hyderabad, leading to the recovery of incriminating documents. The investigation is ongoing.
Published - March 30, 2025 07:59 am IST
