Chhattisgarh businessman accused of threatening GST officer, FIR filed for obstructing government work | Representative Image (FIR)
Raipur: A businessman in Chhattisgarh has been accused of threatening a female GST officer, claiming to have the backing of the state’s Finance Minister, OP Chaudhary, and warned her of serious consequences, including being falsely implicated in a bribery case.
An audio clip, released by the Chhattisgarh State Congress on social media, captures a phone conversation between the businessman, identified as Yogesh, and the lady GST officer. In the recording, Yogesh is heard threatening the officer, claiming that she had entered his firm without permission. He further intimidates her by saying, “Should I call OP Chaudhary to inform him that you entered my firm without permission?”
The businessman goes on to accuse the officer of demanding a bribe of Rs. 1 lakh, stating, “I will complain to the higher authorities, ask OP Chaudhary about it. Should I call him to inform him about your activities that you asked for a bribe?”
He continues to threaten her, claiming he could have her trapped by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and facing serious action. The officer denies the allegations, explaining that she was sent by the commissioner for an inspection of his firm’s operations.
During the call, the businessman tells the officer, “Sarkar humne banaya hai, kaise bol diya aapne ki firm nahi chal rahi hai? Jab main tumhe hint diya ki sarkar humne banaya hai, aap samajh jaiye. Main keh dunga ki madam 1 lakh ki demand kar rahi hai.”
Despite the officer’s request for him to calm down, the businessman continues his threatening remarks, and the audio ends.
Following the release of the audio, the Congress party alleged that individuals close to the Chief Minister and Finance Minister have become arrogant, emboldened by the illegal support provided by the ruling government. The party further accused the businessman of exploiting his ties with the ruling government to intimidate and threaten a female officer. Congress Chief Communication Officer questioned, “Who is running the government?”
The businessman has been identified as Yogesh, while the female officer is named Renu.
In response to the controversy, State GST Commissioner Pushpendra Meena informed media that that they were aware of the issue and an investigation was underway. Meena clarified that the officer had not asked for any money, and it was the businessman who had made threats of falsely implicating her. An FIR will be filed for obstructing government work, the commissioner said.
Action after businessmen threaten GST Inspectors
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has expressed strong displeasure over the reported bullying and threats faced by state tax inspectors during official duties. He directed authorities to take strict action against the perpetrators.
The State GST Department is conducting physical verifications to identify bogus and suspicious firms based on risk parameters. Acting on complaints of irregularities, state tax inspectors Ritu Sonkar and Homesh Verma were assigned to verify the operations of M/s Yogesh Commercial, Mahesh Colony, Gudhiyari, and M/s Shri Jagannath Construction, owned by Rahul Sharma in Daldalseoni.
However, during the verification process, the businessmen allegedly abused and threatened the officials, obstructing their ability to perform government duties. Taking serious note of the incident, the Chief Minister instructed the department to act firmly against such behaviour.
An investigation into the activities of both establishments has been initiated for suspected violations under the GST Act and tax evasion. Additionally, the department has filed an FIR against the accused individuals for obstructing government work and issuing threats to officials.
The Chief Minister reiterated that such actions would not be tolerated and affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent business environment.
