A high-ranking GST officer in Noida has been arrested while accepting a ₹45,000 bribe in a sting operation led by the Vigilance Department. The arrest has triggered public outrage and renewed concerns over systemic corruption in the region’s tax administration.
Shocking Arrest Sends Ripples Through Noida’s Bureaucracy
In a major anti-corruption operation, the Vigilance Establishment, Meerut, arrested Satendra Bahadur Singh, an administrative officer posted at the GST office in Noida, on May 19, 2025, while accepting a ₹45,000 bribe from a local businessman. The arrest was made on the spot, following a planned trap laid in response to a formal complaint.
The incident has sparked widespread uproar across Noida and Gautam Buddh Nagar, with allegations surfacing that several officials within the GST department are involved in similar corrupt practices. Agencies are now closely scrutinizing operations within the GST office, signaling a possible broader crackdown in the near future.
A Long-Standing Case Exploited for Personal Gain
The complainant, who runs a computer repair business named Ramtek in Sallapur, Noida, revealed that his firm had been registered for GST in 2016, but due to technical issues, returns for FY 2016-17 and 2017-18 could not be filed. This led to dues amounting to ₹4.55 lakh, which were pending for years.
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When he approached the GST office to settle the matter, Satendra Bahadur Singh allegedly demanded ₹45,000 to “resolve” the issue and threatened that failure to pay would result in the full outstanding tax being forcibly recovered without any leniency. This pressure tactic prompted the businessman to alert the Vigilance Department.
The sting operation, carried out with meticulous planning, culminated in the official being caught red-handed at the moment the bribe was handed over.
Transactions Traced, Case Registered Under Anti-Corruption Act
Investigations revealed that Singh had asked the complainant to deposit the bribe amount into a bank account in Gautam Buddh Nagar. The vigilance team seized important evidence, including bank transaction records and account details, which are now part of the formal investigation.
A case has been filed under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and Singh is currently in custody as further interrogation continues.
The Vigilance Department has issued a public appeal, urging citizens to come forward and report any instance of bribery or harassment by government officials. A dedicated helpline (9454401866) has been made available for whistleblowers, with assurances of swift action and confidentiality.
