A young IAS officer posted in Noida has been accused of harassment, intimidation, and misuse of authority in an unsigned letter addressed to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and senior officials. The complaint names Sandeep Bhagia, Additional Commissioner (Grade-I) in the state tax department, alleging he stared at female officers for prolonged periods, compelled them to sit or stand in his office without cause, and made late-night video calls using abusive and threatening language.
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Government’s Stand on Anonymous Complaints
The letter, received at the CM’s office on August 6 and forwarded for necessary action, has so far not triggered formal proceedings. Principal Secretary for State Tax, M. Devaraj, who also oversees the Department of Appointment and Personnel, confirmed receiving the letter but emphasised that under current rules, action requires the aggrieved party to step forward and own the complaint. He cited precedent, including a Mathura case where a state tax deputy commissioner was suspended for sexual harassment after the complainants identified themselves.
Differing Views Within the Department
While some within the department see the complaint as potentially motivated by vested interests, pointing to Bhagia’s strict actions against tax evasion, others stress that the gravity of the allegations warrants an independent probe regardless of whether the complaint is signed. A senior officer argued that protecting complainants’ identities, especially when they are women, is essential and that the nature of the charges should outweigh procedural formality.
Officer’s Denial and Counterclaim
Bhagia has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as “false, baseless and motivated.” He maintained that he would present his explanation to the government if required. His supporters within the department suggest the letter may be part of an attempt to undermine his work, while his critics argue that only an impartial investigation can settle the matter.