GST Deputy Commissioner Held in Varanasi Bribery Trap

Varanasi: A state GST deputy commissioner was detained by the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Establishment in Varanasi on 15 July 2026 for allegedly accepting a ₹50,000 bribe from a company director.




The officer, identified as Ambika Singh of sector 6, was caught during a trap operation near a restaurant in the Chetganj area, according to details of the vigilance action. The money was allegedly linked to the handling of a tax-assessment matter.




The complaint was made by Ajay Kumar Maurya, a director of Black Smith Industries Private Limited. He alleged that money had been demanded in connection with clarification and disposal of a state GST file relating to a return from February 2023.




After receiving the complaint, the vigilance unit conducted a preliminary verification and arranged the trap. The officer was taken into custody after the alleged payment and was kept at a women’s police station while the anti-corruption case was being registered.




The arrest and recovery are part of an investigation and do not amount to a finding of guilt. The accused officer is entitled to contest the allegations and evidence before the court.




Trap proceedings in a corruption case are normally supported by a written complaint, marked currency, witnesses and a recovery record. Investigators will have to show how the alleged demand was communicated and connect the payment with an official act.




Investigators are expected to document the complaint, recovery proceedings, official file trail and communications connected with the alleged demand. The GST department may also begin separate departmental action depending on the formal case record.




The company’s underlying tax matter remains separate from the bribery allegation. It must be decided under the applicable GST process on the basis of returns, notices and the company’s response, regardless of the criminal case against the officer.




Businesses asked for unofficial payments by a public servant should preserve messages and records and approach the competent anti-corruption authority rather than attempting an independent confrontation.