Pune: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had ordered the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe financial irregularities in the transfer of officers within the state’s transport department.

The SIT report identified Vijay Chavan as a key player in these malpractices and recommended that he be transferred out of Vidarbha. However, instead of enforcing the recommendation, the transport department appointed Chavan to a coveted post as the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) of Nagpur Rural.

Chavan is a controversial figure, having been previously implicated in defrauding the government. Questions are being raised about the transport department’s apparent leniency towards Chavan, especially given his history of misconduct. Attempts to contact Chavan for a comment, did not elicit any response.

Chief Minister Shinde, who also holds the transport portfolio, had initiated the SIT inquiry after allegations surfaced regarding retired officer Laxman Khade's involvement in manipulating the transfer of RTO officers for financial gain.

The SIT investigation revealed widespread financial irregularities, prompting the recommendation that Chavan and seven other officers be posted outside Vidarbha. Despite this, the transport department defied the SIT’s findings and transferred Chavan to Nagpur once again.

Allegations of Fraud and Misconduct:

Chavan’s fraudulent actions first came to light during his tenure as the Deputy Regional Transport Officer (RTO) in Gadchiroli. He falsely informed the government that he was stationed at the Gondia RTO office, despite actually serving in Gadchiroli.

This misrepresentation allowed him to seek additional responsibilities in Nagpur, violating standard protocol. The incident was debated in the state Legislative Assembly, with promises of an investigation. However, no substantive action was taken against Chavan, apart from a mere request for an explanation.

Court Orders Ignored:

Further compounding the situation, senior RTO officer Ravindra Bhuyar is embroiled in a legal case in the Nagpur court concerning his transfer. The court had issued an order instructing that Bhuyar should not be transferred out of Nagpur until the case was resolved.

In blatant defiance of the court’s directive, the transport department moved Bhuyar to Akola as the Regional Transport Officer. Similarly, despite the SIT's findings advising against Chavan’s appointment in Nagpur, the department appointed him to the same region, raising serious questions about the department’s decision-making.

Vivek Bhimanwar, Transport Commissioner stated, "Transfers within the transport department were carried out for administrative reasons, and I will not be commenting further on the issue."