In view of the recent incidents where the Central GST officers were arrested by the local police during interception of vehicles, the Principal Commissioner has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Finance expressing concerns over the issue.
The letter issued on Tuesday points out an unfortunate incident regarding arrest of CGST officers who were conducting checks of E-way bills, being empowered under CGST Act of the vehicles parked near NRL Petrol Pump at Chumbreithong, along Imphal – Dimapur National High Way as empowered under CGST Act,2017. During the check, a Police team from Heingang PS arrived and altercation developed with the Enforcement team, on an allegation of extortion from the truck drivers. Ensuing the altercation, the Police team took the Enforcement team, to the Police Station at Heingang PS at around 0330 hrs.
However, the CGST officers were released after signing PR Bond at around 0630 hrs from the Police Station. Thereafter, at around 1030 Hrs. the CGST Officers was again called over the Phone to visit the Police station and on their arrival at the Police Station, the officers were arrested and produced before the Judicial Magistrate. The officers were released on bail from the CJM Court.
The letter indicates that the CJM Court taking due cognizance of the seriousness of the allegation made by the Ld. Counsel for the COST Officers that the arrest was made in a deliberate attempt to prevent the CGST Officers from discharging their duty. the Learned Judge has decided to bring it to the notice of the SP Imphal East for conducting an inquiry.
“It is very surprising to mention here that the concerned Police Officer allowed the truck. suspected to be carrying contraband, to move without being checked. It was reported that the behavior of the Police Personnel towards the CGST Officers were very intimidating and High handed. They had detained and arrested departmental officers who were on duty. inspite of disclosing their identity and explaining that they were simply doing their official duty as empowered by CGST Acts and Rules. Section 72 of the CGST Act actually makes it obligatory on the part of Police Officials to help COST officers in performing their duty,” the letter said.
Concluding the letter, the Commissioner further stated that “I strongly feel that this was a gross misuse of power and authority by the officers of Heingang PS of the State Police. It is shocking to note that instead of joining hands, some officers of law enforcing agency of the State has stooped down and misused its authority and power to subdue and intimidate CGST Officers as well as the CGST Department itself. The ripple effect of the incident is bound to cause distrust amongst the Departmental Officers with their counterparts in the State Police Force. In view of the above, I would like to urge upon you to personally look into this issue and take appropriate measure to ensure that the officers of CGST Department shall not be prevented from performing their entrusted official duty by any state agencies in future.”
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