Pune: A corruption case involving ₹46.75 lakh has been registered against three motor vehicle inspectors from the Transport Commissioner's office in Mumbai.
The case revolves around the alleged collection of ₹25,000 per vehicle during the distribution of 187 interceptor vehicles purchased by the state transport department from the road safety fund. The interceptor vehicles were intended for RTO offices across the state to help reduce road accidents.
The distribution ceremony for these vehicles, presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, was held on March 13, 2024. However, the process took a controversial turn when three inspectors—Parikshit Patil, Santosh Kathar, and Dhanraj Shinde—allegedly demanded ₹25,000 per vehicle from RTO offices, claiming the funds would be used for official purposes and later returned.
The corruption was exposed after a motor vehicle inspector from the Amravati office, who was charged ₹1.25 lakh for five vehicles, reported the matter when he received evasive responses from Patil upon questioning.
An investigation has been initiated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Mumbai, which has lodged a complaint against the accused officials.
The bureau's Deputy Commissioner, Rajendra Sangle, stated, "A case has been registered against the three RTO inspectors for misuse of the government system and misappropriation under the guise of government vehicle supplies. Notices have been issued, and further investigations will reveal the extent of involvement."
Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar confirmed the registration of the case but withheld further comments, stating that more details would be needed before making any further statements.
The case has raised concerns about the potential involvement of higher officials within the Transport Commissioner's office, with investigations ongoing to uncover the full extent of the scam.
