CBI sources said ITOs Abhishek Tripathi and Alok Tiwari along with Tiwari's driver Sunil Jadhav have been taken into custody in connection with the alleged bribery case.
It was alleged that Tripathi had demanded Rs four lakh from the complainant as a motive or reward for dropping the prosecution proceedings initiated by the Income Tax Department under section 276-B of the Income Tax Act which relates to failure to pay taxes.
Tiwari allegedly told the complainant to deliver the money to his Sunil Jadhav, his driver.
CBI laid a trap and caught Jadhav red handed while accepting the bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh from the complainant at Vijapura. The Income Tax officers were also nabbed.
"Searches were conducted in five places at Belagavi & Vijapura including the official and residential premises of accused persons. During the searches, details of bank deposits counter-foils, RTGS remittances, insurance policies and one bank locker were recovered," CBI spokesperson said.