CBI books then IT officers for receiving bribe in 2023
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The CBI has filed a corruption case against two former Income Tax officers for allegedly accepting a ₹9 lakh bribe in 2023. The officials reportedly demanded the payment from a businessman in exchange for issuing a favorable order.
Corruption Allegations Within the Income Tax Department
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a formal corruption case against two former Income Tax officials, Sanjay Baburao Chinchghare and D. Manjunathan. The charges stem from an incident in 2023, where the duo allegedly demanded and accepted a bribe of ₹9 lakh from Subhash Chander Rana, a partner at M/s AKS Engineering Company located in Tiruvallur. This investigation underscores the persistent challenges regarding administrative integrity within specialized government valuation departments.
The Accused Officials and Their Current Roles
At the time of the alleged offense, both individuals were stationed at the Valuation Cell of the Income Tax Department in Chennai. Sanjay Baburao Chinchghare held the position of District Valuation Officer, while D. Manjunathan served as the Assistant Valuation Officer-1. Since the incident, both have transitioned to new roles within the government: Chinchghare is currently serving as a Superintending Engineer at the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) in Chennai, and Manjunathan is working as an Assistant Engineer at the Regional Training Institute in Chennai. The CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch is now leading the probe into these past actions.
Nature of the Alleged Bribery
The core of the investigation revolves around the quid-pro-quo arrangement allegedly established between the officials and the complainant, Subhash Chander Rana. It is reported that the bribe was solicited in exchange for the issuance of a 'favourable order' regarding the business interests of AKS Engineering Company. Valuation cells within the Income Tax department are critical for determining the tax liabilities of entities, and any manipulation of these valuations can lead to significant financial discrepancies, making these roles high-risk areas for potential corruption.
Broader Implications for Public Integrity
The fact that this case has been registered by the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch highlights the ongoing efforts by central agencies to root out graft in bureaucratic processes. Corruption in tax valuation not only undermines the fairness of the revenue collection system but also creates an uneven playing field for compliant businesses. When public servants leverage their authority to solicit illegal gratification, it erodes public trust in the institutional mechanisms designed to ensure fiscal transparency.
Future Trends and Accountability
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the long-reaching arm of investigative agencies, even when accused officials move to different departments or jurisdictions. One of the accused, notably, has already faced arrest by the central agency in connection with an entirely separate matter, suggesting a pattern of behavior that is now being scrutinized across multiple investigations. Moving forward, the outcome of this case will likely reinforce the necessity for stricter internal audits and oversight within valuation cells to prevent the misuse of official power for personal gain.
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