Assistant Commissioner of State Tax Sarita Barik arrested in bribe case

Bhubaneswar:Sarita Barik, Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, Bhubaneswar-IV Circle, Bhubaneswar  who was nabbed yesterday for taking bribe has been arrested today. She was taking a bribe of Rs 25,000 from an owner of Bakery Shop (complainant) dealing with food products for reversal of ITC (Input Tax credit) for the tax period of FY 2020-21 and exemption of fine and penalty.

The Odisha Vigilance seized cash Rs.1.45 Lakhs, Gold 222gms, deposits around Rs. 60 Lakhs, Jewellery bills and docuuments related to purchase of property in BBSR etc recovered during searches carried out till early morning at her rented residence at BBSR following her apprehension for taking bribe Rs.25,000 from a Food Product Firm yesterday.

She has been arrested and will be forwarded to the Bhubaneswar Vigilance Court today.

The Food Products firm owned by the complainant was issued a show cause notice by Sarita Barik for payment of fine and tax of Rs 2,27,147 towards reversal of Input Tax Credit (ITC) for FY 2020-21. After coming to know about this, he approached Barik and requested consideration, but Barik demanded bribe Rs 25,000 for exemption of fine and penalty for the above mentioned period.