The inquiry into the transfer of several state tax officers from Noida, who had earlier levelled harassment allegations against Additional Commissioner (State Tax) and IAS officer Sandeep Bhagia, has been completed and submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government.
According to officials, the report prepared by the Aligarh Divisional Commissioner has held the transferred officers responsible for financial irregularities. Based on the findings, the government has now sought explanations from the officers concerned.
Harassment Allegations Triggered Controversy
The dispute dates back to August last year when several women officers posted in the department accused Sandeep Bhagia of harassment, exploitation, and inappropriate conduct. A complaint detailing the allegations was reportedly sent to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The officers alleged that they were frequently summoned to the Additional Commissioner’s office, made to stand for extended periods, and subjected to uncomfortable behaviour. They also claimed that late-night phone and video calls were made to them and that their activities were being monitored within the office. Some officers further alleged that those who resisted such conduct were targeted through disciplinary proceedings and suspension threats.
Transfers and Probe into Revenue Loss Allegations
In September, nearly half a dozen officers, including women officials who had raised concerns, were transferred out of Noida. Departmental authorities maintained that the transfers were linked to an incident involving a truck carrying pan masala that was allegedly allowed to leave after lower tax was collected, causing a loss of revenue to the government.
The transferred officers rejected the allegations, claiming that the charges were fabricated to justify disciplinary action against them. Following the controversy, the state government assigned Aligarh Divisional Commissioner IAS Sangeeta Singh to conduct an independent inquiry into the matter.
The inquiry has now concluded, and its findings have reportedly supported the allegations of financial irregularities against the officers who were transferred.
Officers Contest Findings as GST Department Faces Scrutiny
The officers named in the report continue to dispute the findings. They maintain that the accusation of causing revenue loss is unfounded and allege that the inquiry relied heavily on information provided by the Additional Commissioner rather than an independent assessment.
Sandeep Bhagia, meanwhile, has stated that a departmental inquiry had already found the officers guilty before the matter was referred to the divisional commissioner by the government for further examination.
The controversy comes amid continuing scrutiny of the GST department. In March 2025, Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Singh died by suicide after jumping from the 14th floor of his residential complex in Ghaziabad. His family had alleged that he was facing intense work-related pressure.
More recently, on June 12, 2026, a review meeting at the State Tax Bhawan in Sector 148 witnessed tense scenes after Deputy Commissioner Ved Prakash Singh reportedly fell ill and lost consciousness during the proceedings. Allegations were subsequently raised that Additional Commissioner Sandeep Bhagia had used abusive language during the meeting, further fuelling concerns over the department’s work environment.
With the inquiry report now before the government, attention is expected to shift towards the responses submitted by the officers and any further action the state administration may decide to take.
