Jhansi | January 3, 2026 | A major bribery network linked to the CGST department has been exposed in Jhansi, triggering widespread panic among the city’s trading community. The arrest of Superintendent Anil Tiwari has taken the case to a new level, after investigators recovered three diaries from his residence. These diaries are believed to contain detailed records of an alleged monthly extortion system, financial transactions and the protection network operating within the CGST office.
According to sources, Anil Tiwari was posted with the Preventive Team of the CGST Division in Jhansi and is suspected to be the principal architect of the illegal collection racket. Despite Jhansi having only one sanctioned post of this kind, Tiwari allegedly used his influence to ensure that Ajay Sharma was also posted at the same location, strengthening his control over operations.
15–20 Years in One City
Tiwari’s influence is evident from the fact that he spent 15–20 years of his service career in Jhansi. He was transferred to Agra for barely a year and a half before returning to Jhansi again. Officials say such prolonged posting at one station allowed him to build a strong local network, spanning officials, intermediaries and traders.
Investigators believe that Anil Tiwari and Ajay Sharma jointly targeted major traders in Jhansi, Orai, Lalitpur and Hamirpur. Following raids, negotiations allegedly took place under the guise of “settlement”. Sources claim that ₹3–4 crore was being collected every month, with meticulous records maintained by Tiwari in his diaries.
Crores Invested in Names of Wife and Brother
The investigation has revealed that Tiwari invested crores of rupees in properties in Jhansi, Lucknow and Delhi in the names of his wife and brother. Property documents linked to these investments have been seized by investigators. During searches, agencies also recovered gold and silver bars, cash and several confidential documents.
Apart from Tiwari, investigators recovered a diary and a laptop from the residence of Deputy Commissioner Prabha Bhandari. Agencies believe that these materials could expose the full extent of the network and its beneficiaries.
Promotion List Put on Hold
Prabha Bhandari, a 2016-batch IRS officer, was due for promotion to the post of Joint Commissioner on January 1, 2026. However, her alleged involvement in the bribery case not only stalled her promotion but also led to the suspension of the promotion list of nearly 160 officers from the same batch.
Sources said that Bhandari was expected to be posted in Jammu after her promotion, but the entire process has now come to a standstill, creating uncertainty within the department.
Five-Year-Old Files Under Scanner
An FIR has been registered against Deputy Commissioner Prabha Bhandari, Superintendent Anil Tiwari, Ajay Sharma and four others, and the investigation has been handed over to the Anti-Corruption Branch. Investigators are now examining files dating back five years to determine when and how the bribery racket began.
According to the FIR, during a search conducted on December 18 at Jai Ambe Plywood and Jai Durga Hardware, traders were allegedly asked to pay a bribe of ₹1.50 crore. Later, a proposal was reportedly made to show the seized amount as ₹50 lakh. The role of traders, GST officials and a lawyer has also come under scrutiny. The investigation has been assigned to the Lucknow-based Anti-Corruption Branch of the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Flat Searched After Breaking the Lock
The search of Prabha Bhandari’s flat at Namo Homes required considerable effort by investigators. After breaking open the lock, a four-hour-long search led to the recovery of gold and silver jewellery worth around ₹30 lakh, cash and property-related documents. Bank accounts and lockers linked to the accused are now being examined in detail.
More Revelations Expected
Investigating agencies say that forensic analysis of the seized diaries and digital evidence could lead to more high-profile names surfacing in the coming days. The Jhansi bribery case has raised serious questions about the functioning of the CGST department and underscores how long tenures at a single posting can foster organised corruption.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
