Priyal Singh, Mumbai Uncensored, 22nd February, 2023:
Corruption is a significant issue in India, and it affects not only the government but also the private sector. The case of S.A. Shah Steel is a clear example of how corruption can have a devastating impact on small businesses and individuals. The CGST department, which is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Goods and Services Tax (GST), has been accused of using its power to extort money from innocent people.
The case began in October 2022 when S.A. Shah Steel received notices from the CGST department related to transactions with M/s A.R. Traders and five other companies. The department claimed that all six companies had a liability of Rs. 1.25 Crores, but as the other companies were missing or fake, S.A. Shah Steel was asked to pay the entire amount. This is a common tactic used by corrupt officials to extract money from unsuspecting victims.
The situation escalated when two officers from the department, Shri B. Someshwar Rao and Shri Vikas Sahrawat, demanded a bribe of Rs. 20 lakhs to close the file of M/s A.R. Traders and drop the penalty against S.A. Shah Steel. When Zakir Hussain Shah expressed his inability to pay such a huge amount, the officers threatened to arrest him and his family members. This type of intimidation is commonly used by corrupt officials to force people to pay up.
The officers visited the godown of S.A. Shah Steel and handed over a list of six companies to the staff present there, creating further pressure. This type of behavior is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and fairness that the CGST department is meant to uphold.
Zakir Hussain Shah tried to resolve the issue through his accountant and CA, but the department was resistant, and the officers issued multiple summons for him to appear in person. When he did finally meet Shri B. Someshwar Rao, the officer again demanded a bribe, but after much negotiation, agreed to accept Rs. 9 lakhs. This shows that corrupt officials are willing to negotiate and settle for a lesser amount, further demonstrating their greed and disregard for the law.
It is essential that the government takes swift action against corrupt officials in the tax department and ensures that individuals and businesses are not victimized in this manner. Corruption in the bureaucracy is a significant issue that needs to be addressed at all levels. This includes implementing stricter regulations, creating accountability measures, and conducting thorough investigations into corrupt practices.
Moreover, the government needs to focus on awareness campaigns and education on anti-corruption measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. This includes educating the public on their rights and the proper channels for reporting corruption. Additionally, the government should also consider incentivizing and protecting whistleblowers who come forward with information on corrupt practices.
In conclusion, the case of S.A. Shah Steel is a clear example of the pervasive problem of corruption in India. It highlights the need for immediate action to be taken against corrupt officials in the tax department, and the government needs to implement measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. The private sector also needs to play its part in creating a culture of transparency and accountability to prevent corrupt practices from taking hold.
