A serious incident of obstruction of government duty and an alleged attempt on the life of a government officer has come to light from Vikhroli East during a tax evasion investigation by the Central Goods and Services Tax (GST) Department. A GST Superintendent who had reached the spot for inspection was allegedly abused, assaulted and prevented from discharging his official duties. Following a complaint, the Vikhroli Police registered a case and arrested one accused, identified as Sairaj Bhagwan Dethe.
According to police sources, Nishant Shrijagatsingh Balyan, a Superintendent posted with the Navi Mumbai GST Commissionerate, along with Inspector Rishi Dharampal Puniya, had visited the Samaj Mandir Banquet Hall premises at Tagore Nagar in connection with an inquiry into alleged tax evasion by a business entity named SBD Enterprises. The inspection was being conducted on the basis of written orders issued by Additional Commissioner Amit kumar Nikale of the Navi Mumbai GST Commissionerate.
During the inspection, the accused Sairaj Bhagwandas Dethe (32), claiming to be a resident of the said address, approached the officers. When the officials showed documents related to the complaint, the accused cited the death of his father and refused to cooperate with the investigation. When the officers began taking photographs of the premises as per procedure, the accused allegedly started abusing them verbally.
Police said that during the altercation, Dethe allegedly pushed Superintendent Balyan forcefully, causing him to fall to the ground. He then allegedly assaulted the officer with fists and tore his shirt. As the situation escalated, Inspector Rishi Puniya left the spot to lodge a police complaint, but the accused allegedly snatched an officer’s mobile phone and issued threats over the phone.
On receiving information, Vikhroli Police rushed to the spot, took the accused into custody and brought him to the police station. The injured officer was sent for medical examination. Based on his statement, a case has been registered against Sairaj Bhagwandas Dethe under relevant sections for obstructing government duty, assault, criminal intimidation and use of abusive language. Further investigation is underway.
Administrative sources stated that any attack on government officials during tax evasion investigations is a serious offence and strict legal action will be taken against the accused.