State forms SIT to probe RTO corruption charges

Sarnaik said the SIT will be headed by senior IPS officer Priyanka Narnaware and will include the additional transport commissioner and the department’s vigilance officer

MUMBAI: The state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik on Tuesday announced the formation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of corruption, illegal collections and irregularities in the Regional Transport Office (RTO), directing it to submit its report within a month.

State forms SIT to probe RTO corruption charges

Sarnaik said the SIT will be headed by senior IPS officer Priyanka Narnaware and will include the additional transport commissioner and the department’s vigilance officer.

“The state government will direct the panel to examine audio recordings, complaints and all related allegations in detail and submit its report within one month,” he said.

He added that the government was committed to dismantling the alleged corruption network within the RTO and would tighten regulations to curb tax evasion by Maharashtra residents who register vehicles in other states to avoid paying taxes.

The move came after Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar alleged corruption, illegal collections, tax evasion and irregularities in vehicle registrations in the transport department. He also claimed to possess audio recordings supporting his allegations.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis later told the state assembly that the probe would be conducted impartially and that no officer found guilty would be protected. He said the government would not tolerate corruption or tax evasion under any circumstances.