MUMBAI
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a high-level inquiry to crack down on widespread corruption and tax evasion within the state’s Regional Transport Office (RTO). The decision follows growing concerns raised in the Legislative Assembly regarding financial irregularities that have plagued the department for some time.
During the session, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik highlighted a common and costly loophole – owners of luxury vehicles are frequently registering their cars in distant regions like Puducherry or Daman and Diu to avoid local taxes, despite living in Maharashtra and financing their purchases through state banks. To put an end to this, the government is introducing a rigorous new verification system. This will require owners to provide solid proof of residence, GST documentation, and verified bank loan records before any vehicle registration is approved.
To ensure accountability, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to probe the specific complaints and video evidence of malpractice. Led by senior IPS officer Priyanka Naranaware, the committee also includes Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad and Vigilance Officer Mandar Javale. They have been given a strict one-month deadline to submit their final findings.
In a separate but related crackdown on corruption, Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike reported the suspension of a high-ranking official within the Tribal Development Department. The officer, a Class-1 Deputy Director, was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while accepting a massive bribe of Rs 2,500,000. The official had allegedly demanded the money to clear files related to Scheduled Tribe students. Following the arrest, the government has moved to file a formal chargesheet and will also review all past caste verification certificates issued by the accused to ensure no other fraudulent activities took place.
These actions signal a firm commitment from the state government to cleanse public departments of misconduct. By launching these independent investigations, officials hope to restore public faith and ensure that tax and welfare systems operate with full transparency.