High-level inquiry ordered into RTO malpractices: Maha CM
Mumbai, July 7
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced in the Legislative Assembly that a high-level inquiry will be conducted into alleged malpractices, tax evasion, and irregularities within the state's Regional Transport Office.
Responding to a question raised by MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, Fadnavis stated that the matter has been discussed with the Transport Minister, and the issues raised by the house members have been taken seriously.
Responding to the discussion, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik provided detailed insights into the matter. He noted that tax evasion has been observed in several cases regarding the registration of expensive luxury vehicles.
Some vehicle owners, despite residing in Maharashtra and securing loans from state-based banks, are registering their vehicles in regions like Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Puducherry.
The RTO has already initiated action against such practices. To curb future tax evasion, a stringent verification process involving GST checks, bank loan documents, and residential proofs will be implemented.
Furthermore, Sarnaik announced that a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by senior IPS officer Priyanka Naranaware, has been formed to independently investigate the complaints, video footage, and other allegations levelled against the RTO department.
The committee, which also includes Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad and Vigilance Officer Mandar Javale, has been directed to submit its report within one month.
Meanwhile, Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike informed the Legislative Assembly that a Class-1 Deputy Director (Research) serving in the Tribal Development Department at the MTNL building in Charai, Thane, has been placed under immediate suspension following a bribery case. The process of filing a chargesheet for a departmental inquiry with the Secretary's approval is currently underway.
Uike was replying to a query raised by MLA Raju Todsam during the Assembly's Question Hour. MLA Dharmarao Atram also participated in the discussion.
Elaborating on the incident, Uike stated that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) received a complaint on February 13, 2026, alleging that the concerned officer had demanded a bribe to clear files related to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
Following verification of the complaint, an ACB team laid a trap at the Charai office and caught the Deputy Director red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 2,500,000 in the presence of witnesses. Following the arrest, the official was immediately suspended.
Following the submission of the departmental chargesheet, final administrative actions will be determined based on the court's ultimate verdict.
Additionally, a thorough investigation will be launched into all caste verification and validity certificates previously issued by the accused officer. Strict legal actions will be initiated if any irregularities are uncovered, Uike added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good step by CM Fadnavis, but we need systemic reform, not just inquiries. The RTO has been a den of corruption for decades – from driving license fraud to vehicle registration scams. The GST check and residential proof verification is basic common sense. Why wasn't this done earlier? Also, glad to see action on the Tribal Development bribery case. ST students shouldn't have to pay bribes for their own certificates. 👏
I moved to Pune from the US last year and the RTO experience was a nightmare. Took me 3 months and multiple visits to get my license transferred. Hearing about these malpractices, I'm not surprised. The SIT needs to be transparent and publish their findings publicly. Also, the ₹2.5 lakh bribe for ST certificates is disgusting – these are vulnerable students whose futures are being held hostage.
Bahut der se action hua hai, but better late than never. My brother had to pay a bribe just to get his learner's license in 2022 – the RTO clerk literally told him "sir, processing fees". The fact that luxury car owners are registering in Dadra Nagar Haveli to save tax shows how clever these rich people are. But the government is equally to blame for not having a proper inter-state database. Hope Priyanka Naranaware ma'am does a thorough investigation.
One month for the SIT report? That's ambitious given the scale of corruption in RTO. But I appreciate the formation of a three-member team with a senior IPS officer heading it. The bribery case in Tribal Development is particularly concerning – ₹2.5 lakh for clearing files of ST students is a new low. These officers think they can get away with anything. I hope the departmental inquiry leads to strong punishment and not just a transfer.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.