NADIAD — In a major crackdown on bureaucratic corruption, the Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) recently confirmed that two GST officials arrested in Nadiad face serious bribery charges. The operation unfolded at the Central GST Bhavan on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The accused, identified as Class-2 Superintendent Amarnath Govardhanram Saroj and Class-2 Inspector Subodh Subhash Chauhan, allegedly demanded ₹55 lakh from a local transporter. Consequently, the ACB team led a successful sting operation. They caught both officers red-handed while accepting the first instalment of ₹10 lakh inside their own office.
જી.એસ.ટી. ભવન નડીયાદ ખાતે ફરજ બજાવતા (૧) જી.એસ.ટી. ઇન્સ્પેક્ટર, વર્ગ-૨, સુબોધ સુભાષ ચૌહાણ તથા (૨) સુપ્રિટેન્ડન્ટ, સેન્ટ્રલ જી.એસ.ટી., વર્ગ-૨, અમરનાથ ગોવર્ધનરામ સરોજ રૂપિયા ૧૦ લાખની લાંચ લેતા ઝડપાયા.@sanghaviharsh @PIYUSH_270871 @InfoGujarat @DeepakMeghani @BaldevD11469478 pic.twitter.com/7tRje4D3VM
— ACB Gujarat (@ACBGujarat) April 18, 2026
The case began when the complainant, who operates a logistics business, had a goods-laden truck intercepted by the Central GST department. Authorities seized the vehicle and moved it to the Nadiad office for a detailed inspection. When the transporter sought the release of his truck, the officials reportedly played a familiar game of extortion. They pointed out alleged “deficiencies” in the cargo’s GST documentation. To “settle” the matter without penalties, they demanded the massive bribe, insisting on an immediate upfront payment.
The Trap at Central GST Bhavan: A Red-Handed Catch
Unwilling to comply with the illegal demand, the businessman contacted the ACB via the 1064 toll-free helpline. Following a swift verification, the Gandhinagar ACB unit meticulously planned a trap. On the day of the exchange, the transporter entered the GST office with the marked currency. Simultaneously, the ACB team took positions nearby to monitor the transaction. A recorded “purposeful conversation” between the accused and the victim provided the final evidence needed to move in.
As soon as Superintendent Saroj and Inspector Chauhan accepted the ₹10 lakh, the ACB team, headed by PI D.A. Chaudhary, apprehended them. The team recovered the full amount of the first instalment from the office premises. This high-profile arrest of GST officials arrested in such a blatant manner has sent shockwaves through the department. It highlights the persistent issue of “inspection-raj” where officials use documentation errors to harass legitimate businesses for personal gain.
Investigation Widens: Suspicions of an Extortion Ring
The ACB is now digging deeper to see if these two officers acted alone. Investigators suspect that a larger extortion network might be targeting transporters across the Gujarat corridor. Specifically, the bureau is reviewing past seizures made by the Nadiad unit to identify other potential victims. The accused have been booked under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This law covers criminal misconduct by public servants and carries a heavy prison sentence upon conviction.
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Furthermore, the recovery of such a high bribe amount suggests that the GST officials felt emboldened within their workspace. The ACB has already begun searching the residential properties of both Saroj and Chauhan. They are looking for documents related to disproportionate assets or undisclosed bank accounts. For the local business community, this arrest is a significant victory. It reinforces the message that the 1064 helpline is a functional tool against systemic bribery.
The Economic Impact of Administrative Corruption
Corruption in the GST department does more than just hurt individual businesses; it slows down the entire supply chain. When transport vehicles are held hostage for bribes, the delivery of essential goods is delayed. Moreover, it creates an environment of fear that discourages small-scale entrepreneurs from expanding. The Gujarat government has reiterated its commitment to a “clean and transparent” tax administration. However, this incident shows that ground-level enforcement still requires constant vigilance.
As the legal proceedings begin, the GST department is likely to initiate its own internal disciplinary inquiry. Suspension orders for both officers are expected to follow within the next 48 hours. The ACB has urged other transporters who may have been targeted by this duo to come forward. For now, the Nadiad GST office remains under intense scrutiny. This case serves as a stern warning that even “Class-2” authority cannot protect officials from the reach of the law.