Navi Mumbai Sales Tax Officer Arrested for ₹8 Lakh GST Bribe

A 56-year-old Sales Tax Department officer, Deepak Ramchandra Kshirsagar, was taken into custody by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Navi Mumbai for allegedly demanding a bribe from a trader. The officer, who was serving as Assistant Commissioner of the Sales Tax Department, Raigad Division, at CBD Belapur, had demanded ₹15 lakh from the trader to close an inquiry related to his GST account. However, after negotiations, the amount was reduced to ₹8 lakh.

The trader, a 47-year-old scrap trader associated with M/s Vidhi Industries, had registered his business under GST number 27AFTPD0970N12. He had received a show-cause notice under Section 73(1) through the GST portal on February 8, 2025. The trader approached the ACB on May 25, alleging that Kshirsagar had demanded the bribe for scrutiny of his GST number and for closing the inquiry related to a notice concerning GST credit.

The ACB conducted verification at the officer's office between 2.41 pm and 3.18 pm on May 25. During the verification, Kshirsagar allegedly reiterated his demand for ₹15 lakh, following which the amount was negotiated down to ₹8 lakh. A trap operation was then carried out by the ACB, and Kshirsagar was taken into custody at around 6.10 pm on Tuesday.

The arrest procedure was underway, and a case has been registered at CBD police station under Crime Register No. 278/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018. The verification was conducted by Police Inspector Narayan Maruti Sarode of the ACB, Raigad, Alibag, under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dharmaraj Sonke.

The ACB has been cracking down on corruption in Navi Mumbai, and this arrest is a significant step in their efforts to curb bribe demands. The trader's decision to approach the ACB has helped to bring the corrupt officer to justice.

The Sales Tax Department has been facing several challenges in recent years, including the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The department has been working to simplify the tax system and reduce corruption. However, cases like this highlight the need for continued vigilance and action against corrupt officers.

The ACB's 'Bribe-Free' campaign, which was launched recently, aims to encourage citizens to report corruption and bribe demands. The campaign has been successful in raising awareness and encouraging people to come forward and report corruption.

In this case, the trader's decision to approach the ACB has helped to bring the corrupt officer to justice. The ACB's efforts to curb corruption and bribe demands are commendable, and it is hoped that this arrest will serve as a deterrent to other corrupt officers.

The incident highlights the importance of reporting corruption and bribe demands. Citizens are encouraged to come forward and report any instances of corruption or bribe demands to the ACB. The ACB can be contacted through their helpline number 1064.

In conclusion, the arrest of the Sales Tax Department officer is a significant step in the ACB's efforts to curb corruption in Navi Mumbai. The incident highlights the importance of reporting corruption and bribe demands, and the need for continued vigilance and action against corrupt officers.