Civic official probing tax evasion cases attacked

A New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) official, who is probing tax evasion cases related to top Delhi hotels, was attacked in a city court on Tuesday. Alok Bhatnagar, Estate Officer with the NDMC, has complained to the Delhi Police that a mob of 50-60 advocates beat him up at the Karkardooma court.

He has further alleged that the attack was an attempt to stop him from discharging his official duties.

"They slapped me, hit me near my eyes, stomach etc. I prayed to them that I have done nothing wrong. But they did not listen to me," he stated in a complaint lodged at the Farsh Bazar police station.

He said this was a conspiracy of some lawyers, as he has been raising a voice against illegal practices. "They threatened me of dire consequences. They also gave me death threats," he stated in the complaint.

Bhatnagar mentioned that he was dealing with many sensitive cases, such as those related to hotels in Connaught place, Le Meridian, Taj Man Singh, and so on.

Bhatnagar has alleged that he has been threatened and blackmailed by some lawyers in the past as well.

Sources in the NDMC said this was not the first time that an official probing high-profile tax evasion cases of luxury hotels has been threatened or attacked. "We have written to the Commissioner of police about the safety of some of our officers dealing with such cases," a senior NDMC official said.

Last year, a Legal Officer of NDMC, MM Khan, was murdered after he refused to accept a bribe of Rs 4 crore to rule in favour of a hotel facing eviction.

Two months ago, a senior NDMC official recused himself from a probe in the irregularities related to a five-star hotel, after he received threats.

...& ANALYSIS

Attacks on officials dealing with tax evasion cases related to high-end hotels and restaurants have become a menace, discouraging anybody from honest discharge of duty. The authorities must make some arrangements to safeguard such officials.