Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government is treading cautiously in a case involving allegations of harassment by a senior IAS officer posted in Noida. A complaint, which surfaced through an unsigned letter addressed to the Chief Minister and marked to senior officials, accuses Sandeep Bhagia, Additional Commissioner (Grade-I) in the State Tax Department, of intimidation, inappropriate behavior, and abuse of authority – particularly towards female staff members.
Allegations in Anonymous Complaint
The anonymous complaint claims that Mr Bhagia routinely stares at female officers, makes late-night video calls, and forces staff to remain in his office without reason. It also accuses him of using abusive and threatening language in his interactions. The letter was received by the Chief Minister’s Office on August 6 and has since been forwarded by Principal Secretary to CM Sanjay Prasad to the State Tax Department for necessary action.
Read Also: UP: IAS Officer Accused of Harassment in Noida Tax Dept – Who He Is & What the Complaint Says?
No Formal Action Without Named Complainant
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the lack of identification in the complaint poses a hurdle for immediate disciplinary action. M Devaraj, Principal Secretary of State Tax – who also oversees the Department of Appointment and Personnel – confirmed receiving the anonymous letter. He stated:
“We will certainly act on the grievance as per the rules, if aggrieved persons come forward owning the complaint against the officer.”
He added that past actions have been taken in similar cases when complainants disclosed their identities. As an example, Devaraj cited a recent case in Mathura, where a deputy commissioner of state tax was suspended after being found guilty of sexually harassing subordinates. Action was also taken against the anti-sexual harassment cell for allegedly covering up the case.
Internal Division: Vested Interests or Genuine Grievance?
Sources within the department suggest that the complaint may have been orchestrated by vested interests. According to a senior state tax official, Bhagia has been strict in enforcing tax laws in Gautam Buddha Nagar, which may have earned him powerful adversaries.
“The possibility of some vested interests trying to frame the official through anonymous complaints cannot be ruled out,” the official said.
However, others argue that the seriousness of the charges warrants a preliminary investigation, even if the complaint is anonymous. One official remarked: “What is important is the charges, not the format. The government must probe the charges even if raised anonymously, especially when women are involved.”
Bhagia Denies Allegations
Contacted by the media, Sandeep Bhagia, a 2018 batch IAS officer originally from Lucknow, has strongly denied the allegations.
“All the allegations levelled against me in the letter are baseless and motivated. I would clarify my position to the government, if asked,” he said over the phone.
IAS Bhagia has previously served as Joint Magistrate of Meerut and Chief Development Officer in Muzaffarnagar.
