2 min readMar 7, 2026 02:55 PM ISTDuring subsequent interrogation, the names of Page and Donde allegedly surfaced in the case.The Mumbai unit of the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested three persons, including two state GST officials, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹20 lakh in Nashik.The accused have been identified as Somnath Dattu Page (47), a deputy commissioner, and Machhindra Vitthal Donde (55), an assistant commissioner in the State Tax (GST) office in the Nashik division. The third accused, Amit Hiraman Jadhav (36), is a private individual who allegedly acted as an intermediary.According to ACB officials, the arrests were made after a trap was laid based on a complaint filed by a businessman who was allegedly asked to pay a bribe to expedite and settle a GST investigation against his firm.The complainant alleged that the officials initially demanded ₹1.25 crore. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to ₹1 crore, with the first instalment of ₹20 lakh to be paid in cash, officials said.Unwilling to pay the bribe, the businessman approached the ACB office in Mumbai and filed a written complaint. After verifying the allegations, the agency registered a case on March 6 and organised a trap operation in Nashik.During the operation, Jadhav was caught red-handed when he arrived at the complainant’s office at Damodar Chowk in Nashik to collect the first instalment of ₹20 lakh on behalf of the officials, ACB sources said.During subsequent interrogation, the names of Page and Donde allegedly surfaced in the case. The ACB conducted searches at Page’s residence and recovered ₹2 lakh in cash. Mobile phones belonging to Donde and Jadhav have been seized for further investigation.Story continues below this adA case has been registered against the two government officials and the private individual under Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Further investigation is underway.Manish Kumar Pathak is a dedicated journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Mumbai. His work demonstrates substantial Expertise and Authority across the complex field of crime reporting, with a strong focus on law enforcement actions, fraud, and cyber security challenges facing the metropolitan region. Expertise & Authority Affiliation: Reports for the nationally recognized daily, The Indian Express, providing his content with high Trustworthiness. Geographical Focus: Provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of breaking news and investigative matters across Mumbai and the surrounding regions (e.g., Thane, Vasai). Core Authority: His reporting portfolio highlights deep Expertise in crucial beats, including: Cyber & Financial Crime: Extensive coverage of sophisticated scams, including cases involving high-value cyber fraud, stock market manipulation scams, and fraudsters using government figures to gain trust. Law Enforcement & Investigation: Reports directly on major police actions, including arrests made by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in fraud cases (e.g., MHADA flat scams) and detailed coverage of murder and kidnapping investigations. Major Incidents & Public Safety: Covers significant incidents like building collapses, road accidents, and public safety issues such as theft at large public events. Defence & Maritime: Also covers key updates regarding the Indian Navy, including the commissioning of new vessels and strategic defense announcements. Manish Kumar Pathak's consistent focus on crime, fraud, and the workings of the Mumbai police system establishes him as a trusted and authoritative source for critical news in Western India. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd