I-T officer held for helping TV channel evade tax

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested a deputy Income Tax Commissioner for allegedly misusing his official position to help a private television channel evade Rs 1.57 crore tax.

According to officials, DITC P K Das had in 2007 issued a notice to Taj Television (owner of TEN sports channel) saying there was a tax due of Rs 1.57 crore against them. He, however, reversed the order immediately.

"By procedure, to reverse the order, the DITC has to take permission of Income Tax commissioner or Additional Commissioner," a CBI official said.

Special public prosecutor Azhar Ali Ansari argued that it was done in connivance with Taj Television.

CBI has filed a chargesheet against Das for cheating, conspiracy, forgery, criminal misconduct and misuse of official position.

Das, who was produced in the special CBI court, was remanded in judicial custody and his bail plea is likely to be heard on Wednesday.