CBI Catches Two in Rare Reverse Trap for Offering ₹22 Lakh Bribe to GST Officer
In a rare ‘reverse trap’ operation, the CBI arrested Ram Sevak Singh and Sachin Kumar Gupta for attempting to bribe a GST Intelligence Superintendent with ₹22 lakh to influence an investigation into alleged tax evasion by online firms. India Today
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Honest GST Official’s Complaint Triggers Swift CBI Operation and Arrests
The Superintendent, targeted in the bribery attempt, reported the matter to the CBI—prompting a swift trap and the apprehension of the accused. Searches are now underway at linked locations. India TodaySakshi Post
Section 1: The Incident and Background
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched a rare reverse trap on September 2, 2025, leading to the arrest of two private individuals, Ram Sevak Singh and Sachin Kumar Gupta, who attempted to bribe a Superintendent of GST Intelligence with ₹22 lakh to curtail a tax evasion investigation into multiple online companies. India TodaySakshi Post
Section 2: Integrity of the GST Officer
The operation was triggered when the GST Intelligence officer—tasked with probing alleged online tax evasion—was approached by the accused offering a bribe in exchange for favorable treatment. Displaying commendable integrity, the officer promptly reported the attempt to the CBI, who immediately laid a meticulously planned reverse trap. India TodaySakshi Post
Section 3: The Reverse Trap and Subsequent Action
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the CBI executed a successful reverse trap—an anti-corruption tactic used to catch bribe-givers—arresting Singh and Gupta as they attempted to hand over the illicit ₹22 lakh with the intent of derailing the probe. India TodaySakshi Post
Following the arrests, authorities launched extensive searches at several locations linked to the accused, aiming to uncover further evidence not only of the bribery attempt but also of the broader tax evasion network under investigation. Sakshi PostDeshsewak
Section 4: Significance and Broader Implications
This operation underscores two critical elements:
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Integrity in Public Service: The GST officer’s immediate action in reporting the offer exemplifies ethical conduct and commitment to duty, serving as a powerful deterrent against corruption.
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Effective Anti-Corruption Strategy: The CBI’s use of a reverse trap, though rare, demonstrates the agency’s adaptability in neutralizing sophisticated bribery attempts.
The unfolding investigation and search operations may reveal deeper collusion or a broader tax evasion scheme involving the accused and the firms they represent.
