Ghaziabad: A state tax officer posted in the Flying Squad of Ghaziabad has been suspended on charges of corruption, following allegations of accepting a bribe of ₹3.5 lakh. The action comes weeks after the officer made headlines by accusing an IAS officer posted in Noida’s GST department of harassment.
The suspension order, issued by the Commissioner of State Tax, followed a formal complaint submitted by Delhi High Court advocate Shashank Singhal. The complaint alleges that on the night of July 12, 2025, the officer stopped the vehicle of Singhal’s client and subsequently imposed a penalty. It is further claimed that the officer demanded and accepted ₹3.5 lakh in cash from the client to settle the matter.
Audio-Video Evidence Submitted
The complainant backed the allegations with audio and video recordings of the phone conversations and alleged exchange, which were submitted as part of the complaint. Upon receipt of the complaint via WhatsApp, the matter was taken up by Additional Commissioner Grade-One, Ghaziabad Zone II, who conducted a preliminary inquiry.
The report submitted to the State Tax Commissioner described the officer’s conduct as a “serious irregularity,” warranting immediate disciplinary action.
Suspension and Inquiry Initiated
Based on the findings, the officer has been placed under suspension with immediate effect, pending further investigation. During the suspension period, she will be attached to the Joint Commissioner Office in Azamgarh, under Varanasi Zone.
The inquiry will be conducted by Manoj Kumar Singh, Joint Commissioner, Special Investigation Branch, Varanasi.
Background: Previous Harassment Allegation
Notably, the suspended officer had recently accused a senior IAS officer from the Noida GST department of harassing female officers, a charge that stirred discussions within the department. However, officials maintain that the current disciplinary action is unrelated to those claims and is solely based on the bribery allegation, which is supported by evidence.
Department Tightens Vigilance
A senior official from the State Tax Department stated that the administration is committed to upholding transparency and integrity. “No officer, regardless of their position, will be shielded from accountability if found indulging in corruption,” the official noted.
