New Delhi/Chandigarh: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday seized approximately ₹1 crore in cash, 3.5 kilograms of gold, and 2 kilograms of silver during searches at multiple locations in Delhi connected to IRS officer Amit Kumar Singal and his associate Harsh Kotak, both of whom were arrested in a high-profile bribery case.
The case involves a ₹45 lakh bribe demand to settle an income-tax notice issued to Sanam Kapoor, owner of the popular fast-food franchise La Pino’z Pizza.
💼 Bribery Allegation and Arrests:
According to the CBI FIR, Singal, a 2007-batch Indian Revenue Service officer and Additional Director General at the Directorate of Taxpayer Services, allegedly demanded the bribe from Kapoor. His associate Harsh Kotak was caught accepting a ₹25 lakh first installment during a trap laid by CBI in Mohali, Punjab.
Singal was arrested shortly afterward from his Delhi residence.
🧾 Business Links and Franchise Deals:
Investigations revealed that Singal had business interests tied to Kapoor’s company. He allegedly entered a master franchise agreement for La Pino’z Pizza via Parker Impex, a firm in the name of his mother and an associate. Further deals were linked to Flevaco—a firm involving Kotak and his mother—and Mohini Hospitality, run by Kotak’s wife.
These connections raised suspicions of a conflict of interest and potential misuse of official position.
⚖️ Court Proceedings:
Both accused were presented before a special magistrate in Chandigarh, who remanded them in judicial custody till June 13, as confirmed by Sanam Kapoor’s lawyer, Gagandeep Jammu.
The case has intensified scrutiny over corruption in tax administration and highlighted the CBI’s focus on white-collar crimes involving senior bureaucrats. Investigations are ongoing.
