The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested two state GST officials and a private intermediary for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 20 lakh in Nashik. The arrests were made following a trap operation conducted after a businessman lodged a complaint alleging that officials demanded money to settle a GST investigation against his firm.
The case has raised fresh concerns about corruption in tax enforcement and the misuse of authority during investigations under the Goods and Services Tax framework.
Officials Arrested in Bribery Case
According to the ACB, the arrested individuals include:
- Somnath Dattu Page (47), Deputy Commissioner in the State Tax (GST) office, Nashik division
- Machhindra Vitthal Donde (55), Assistant Commissioner in the State Tax (GST) office
- Amit Hiraman Jadhav (36), a private individual accused of acting as a middleman
Authorities allege that the private individual was used as an intermediary to collect the bribe on behalf of the two government officials.
Bribe Demand Initially Rs 1.25 Crore
As per ACB officials, the case surfaced after a businessman approached the agency with a complaint claiming that the GST officers demanded a large sum of money to expedite and settle an investigation related to his company.
The complainant alleged that:
- Officials initially demanded Rs 1.25 crore to resolve the GST inquiry.
- After negotiations, the amount was allegedly reduced to Rs 1 crore.
- The first instalment of Rs 20 lakh was to be paid in cash.
Unwilling to comply with the demand, the businessman decided to report the matter to the anti-corruption authorities.
ACB Conducts Trap Operation in Nashik
Following the complaint, the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau verified the allegations and registered a formal case on March 6.
Subsequently, a trap operation was organised in Nashik. During the operation:
- The intermediary Amit Jadhav allegedly arrived at the complainant’s office located at Damodar Chowk in Nashik.
- He was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 20 lakh in cash on behalf of the officials.
ACB officers immediately detained Jadhav and began questioning him regarding the involvement of other individuals in the alleged bribery arrangement.
GST Officials' Names Surface During Interrogation
During interrogation, investigators said the names of the two senior GST officers - Somnath Page and Machhindra Donde, allegedly surfaced in connection with the bribery demand.
ACB teams then conducted searches at the residence of Deputy Commissioner Somnath Page, where Rs 2 lakh in cash was recovered, officials said.
Authorities also seized mobile phones belonging to Donde and Jadhav to examine call records, messages and other digital evidence that may be relevant to the investigation.
Case Registered Under the Prevention of Corruption Act
The accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The case has been registered under:
- Section 7: Public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration
- Section 12: Abetment of offences under the Act
ACB officials confirmed that further investigation is currently underway to determine the full extent of the alleged bribery network and whether additional individuals were involved.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are now analysing digital evidence and financial records to trace the alleged bribery transaction and verify whether similar demands were made from other businesses.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to curb bribery within government departments and ensure transparency in tax administration.
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