CBI opposes bail for Income Tax officials

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CBI has objected to granting bail to the two Income Tax officials held on charges of accepting bribes  citing that the two could influence the witnesses in the case. The court directed the CBI to produce all evidence so far obtained  on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, principal commissioner of Income Tax in Thiruvananthapuram Shailendra Mamidi and Income Tax officer S, Sarath, who were arrested in the case, have been placed under suspension by  the Income Tax department.

While considering the bail applications of the two officials on Tuesday, CBI counsel  informed the court that the CBI had gathered many evidence  of  Shailendra Mamidi and  Sarath taking bribes and availing of undue favours from business persons. Hence the two could even try to influence witnesses if granted bail.

However, the court expressed dissatisfaction over the failure on the part of the CBI in producing all evidence gathered against the two.

The court also said that the CBI had failed to inform the court about the links of the case with the suicide of a real estate agent,  Kumar.

Income Tax sources said that  since the two officers have been  in CBI custody for more that 48-hours,  they were deemed to be placed under suspension. 

“A formal order in this regard, as well as further action would come once the IT department gets a formal report from the CBI,” said a top official of IT department.

Meanwhile, the CBI is trying to locate Chief Commissioner of Income Tax in Kerala Anil Goel, who has been reported absconding. The role of more Income Tax officials was also being probed into.