The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Dr. Amit Kumar Singal, a senior officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), from his residence in Delhi. He is accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 45 lakh through an associate to settle an Income Tax notice.
The arrest came after a complaint by Sanam Kapoor, owner of La Pinos, a food franchise chain. Kapoor alleged that he was being harassed with official notices following a business dispute.
In 2017, Kapoor signed a franchise agreement with Mumbai-based businessman Harsh Kotak. Kotak is said to be in partnership with Singal’s mother in the business venture.
According to Kapoor’s lawyer, Gagandeep Singh, the problems started last year when Kapoor found out that Kotak was buying raw materials from cheaper sources. This was against the terms of their agreement.
Although Kapoor could have ended the franchise contract, he was forced to buy it back for Rs 1.6 crore. This amount was over six times higher than the original price of Rs 25 lakh.
Soon after, Kapoor began receiving multiple notices from the Income Tax and food safety departments. It was alleged that Singal demanded Rs 45 lakh to “close” the Income Tax notice.
Kapoor then approached the CBI for help.
On May 30, Kotak met Kapoor in Chandigarh and asked him to visit Singal’s residence in Mohali the next day.
The CBI set up a trap and arrested Kotak on May 31 while he accepted Rs 25 lakh from Kapoor. Later that evening, the CBI team arrested Singal from his Delhi home. During a search, they seized 2.5 kilograms of gold jewelry and Rs 30 lakh in cash.
A case has been registered against both Kotak and Singal in Chandigarh.
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