GST Inspector Arrested for Accepting ₹50,000 Bribe from Trader After Allegedly Demanding ₹1.25 Lakh to Settle Case

In Una district of Himachal Pradesh, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested a GST Inspector after he was caught red-handed taking a bribe of Rs. 50,000 from a local trader. Officials said the officer, identified as Anshul Dhiman, had allegedly demanded Rs. 1.25 lakh to settle a revenue-related matter but later agreed to accept a smaller amount.

According to the Vigilance Bureau, the trader filed a complaint stating that the inspector had asked for money to “settle” an issue linked to his business accounts. After verifying the complaint, the Bureau set up a trap. During the planned operation, officers caught Dhiman accepting the cash from the complainant. The arrest was made in a controlled environment, and the entire transaction was recorded as evidence.

Officials said that Dhiman, a resident of Dadh village in Palampur, was posted under the Excise wing. He is now facing charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Vigilance Bureau has started further investigation to identify if more officials were involved in the alleged bribery.

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The arrest has created concern among local traders, many of whom say such demands from officials are not unusual. Business owners in Una said they often face pressure for “settlements” during tax checks and have urged the government to take strong steps to ensure transparency and accountability.

Senior officials said that such operations are part of the government’s wider effort to clean up the tax administration. They also called for regular audits, stricter monitoring, and quick departmental action against corrupt officers.

In August, a GST officer in Gujarat was arrested for demanding Rs. 2 lakh from a transporter, and in July, another officer in Uttar Pradesh was caught taking a Rs. 40,000 bribe. These repeated incidents have raised concerns about corruption in the tax system and the need for better oversight.

The Vigilance Bureau said it will continue its efforts to detect and act against corrupt practices to build public confidence in the tax administration.

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