In a major crackdown on corruption within the tax department, a GST official posted in Noida was arrested red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹45,000 from a local businessman. The arrest was carried out by the Vigilance Team of the Meerut Sector following a formal complaint filed by the aggrieved businessman.
The accused, identified as Satendra Bahadur Singh, had been serving in Section-13 of the State GST Division in Noida for the past two years. He now faces both criminal proceedings and a departmental inquiry.
The case came to light when Pramod Tiwari, a businessman based in Noida, alleged that although his company had consistently paid its VAT and GST dues, he was contacted on April 29 by an individual named Bhudev. Bhudev informed him that his tax assessments for financial years 2016–17 and 2017–18 remained unresolved and claimed there was an outstanding liability of ₹4.55 lakh. Tiwari was asked to report to the GST office.
Upon visiting the office on May 9, Tiwari was reportedly threatened with legal action if the supposed dues were not cleared. Subsequently, on May 13, he met GST official Satendra Bahadur Singh, who allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹50,000 to “settle” the matter.
Instead of yielding to the pressure, Tiwari approached the Meerut Vigilance Department and lodged a formal complaint. Acting swiftly, the vigilance team organized a sting operation. On May 19, Tiwari contacted Singh and agreed to pay ₹45,000. As the accused accepted the cash, the vigilance team caught him in the act and took him into custody.
A case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act at Knowledge Park Police Station in Greater Noida. Senior officials from the Noida Zone of the State GST Division confirmed that departmental disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against Singh.
The incident has reignited concerns over corruption in tax enforcement bodies and highlighted the urgent need for strengthened oversight, transparent processes, and institutional accountability within the GST framework.
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