Chennai: The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) placed a Central GST commissioner from Chennai under suspension on charges of demanding illegal gratification from goods and service tax payers.Chennai South Commissionerate commissioner (CGST) P Manikkavel, a 2004-batch officer, was suspended and the CBIC chief vigilance officer has referred the complaint to the Central Bureau of Investigation for further investigation.The order dated Feb 7 said that a complaint alleging a demand for illegal gratification was received against Manikkavel, and that he shall remain under suspension until further orders. He shall not leave the headquarters without obtaining prior permission from the principal chief commissioner (CGST), the order said.Manikkavel assumed charge as Chennai south’s CGST and central excise commissioner in May 2025.Chennai south CGST jurisdiction, comprising 11 divisions, covers six corporation zones such as Kodambakkam, Valasaravakkam and Alandur, and accounts for 14.8% of total GST revenue of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
