By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:Today i.e on 29.10.2025, a short while ago, Sri Umakanta Mahakur, Asst CT&GST Officer, Titlagarh, Dist-Bolangir has been apprehended by Odisha Vigilance *while demanding and taking bribe Rs.12,000/- from a businessman (Complainant) to waive off penalty imposed on him for not payment of professional tax for three financial years*. The complt had not paid the professional tax amounting to Rs.7,500/- for three financial years @ Rs.2500/- per year.
For non payment of tax, complt was served with a notice by the accused Sri Mahakur to make payment of Rs. 23,600/- including tax amount along with fine and interest. On receiving the notice, the complt met the accused officer Sri Mahakur and requested him to receive the tax amount only. *But, accused Sri Mahakur refused to accept the only tax amount, rather demanded bribe Rs.12,000/- to waive off fine and interest imposed on him*, prompted complt to report the matter to Vigilance authorities.
Following this, a team of Odisha Vigilance nabbed Sri Makur today, while taking bribe Rs. 12,000/- from the complt.The entire tainted bribe money has been recovered from the possession of accused Sri Mahakur and seized.
Following the successful trap, simultaneous searches are going on at locations associated with Sri Mahakur from DA angle.
In this connection, Sambalpur Vigilance PS Case No 21/2025, U/s-7PC (Amendment) Act, 2018 has been registered against accused Sri Mahakur, Asst CT&GST Officer, Titlagarh. Investigation is in progress. Detailed report follows.
