RTA Offices Raided By Punjab VB – 24 Arrested – 16 FIRs Registered
RTA Offices Raided By Punjab VB – 24 Arrested – 16 FIRs Registered. Corruption in government offices remains a serious concern, affecting the efficiency of public services and eroding public trust. In a significant crackdown on corruption within the transport sector, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) conducted surprise raids across Regional Transport Authority (RTA) offices and driving test centers in Punjab. These operations led to the arrest of 24 individuals involved in bribery and the registration of 16 FIRs against those engaged in corrupt practices.
The raids were carried out in response to numerous complaints received through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line. The Punjab VB’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and Flying Squad led the operations, targeting officials and agents who were illegally demanding money from applicants for driving licenses, driving tests, and other transport-related services.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Punjab VB’s anti-corruption operation, including details of the arrests, the modus operandi of the corrupt agents, and the impact of the crackdown on public services.
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s Anti-Corruption Drive
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) plays a crucial role in combating corruption within the state’s administrative departments. As part of its ongoing mission, the VB regularly conducts investigations and surprise raids to identify and prosecute individuals engaged in corrupt practices.
This particular operation was prompted by complaints from citizens who reported that officials and middlemen at RTA offices were demanding bribes to expedite the issuance of driving licenses and manipulate driving test results.
The raids were conducted simultaneously across multiple districts in Punjab, ensuring a statewide crackdown on illegal practices in RTA offices.
Findings of the Punjab VB Raids
The anti-corruption drive led to several shocking revelations, exposing a deep-rooted network of bribery and fraud in RTA offices. Below are the key highlights of the Punjab VB’s surprise raids:
1. Arrests and FIRs Registered
- A total of 24 individuals were arrested, including RTA employees, data entry operators, and private agents.
- 16 FIRs were registered against those involved in corrupt practices.
2. Bribes Collected from Applicants
- Punjab VB officials seized ₹40,900 in cash, collected illegally from citizens applying for driving licenses and other transport services.
- Middlemen were found charging different amounts to expedite services, ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹12,000.
3. Role of RTA Officials and Agents
- Agents acted as intermediaries, collecting bribes from applicants and ensuring that they passed their driving tests without fulfilling the necessary requirements.
- Some RTA officials were found to be in direct collusion with these agents, facilitating the corruption racket.
District-Wise Breakdown of Corrupt Practices
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) operation uncovered widespread corruption across several districts in Punjab. Below is a district-wise breakdown of the findings:
Ludhiana
- Three individuals—Pankaj Arora (Sunny), Deepak Kumar, and Manish Kumar—were arrested for demanding bribes between ₹1,500 and ₹3,500.
- Two additional agents, Taisiff Ahmed Ansari and Honey Arora, were apprehended for charging ₹7,000 and ₹5,500 for securing driving licenses.
Mohali
- Private agent Sukhwinder Singh was caught red-handed, accepting a ₹2,500 bribe to ensure an applicant’s driving test clearance.
Fatehgarh Sahib
- Agent Paramjit Singh was arrested for demanding ₹5,000 to process a driving license.
Jalandhar
- Mohit Kumar and Vijay Kumar were arrested for collecting ₹2,000 each to fast-track driving test appointments.
Hoshiarpur
- Agent Ashok Kumar was found charging ₹5,000 to clear driving tests without proper trials.
Kapurthala
- A major seizure took place in Kapurthala, where agent Sher Amrik Singh was caught with ₹12,000 in cash, revealing deep ties between corrupt agents and RTA officials.
SBS Nagar (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar)
- Two RTA employees, Jatinder Singh (junior assistant) and Manish Kumar (data entry operator), were caught collaborating with two private agents, Kewal Krishan and Kamal Kumar, to facilitate bribe transactions.
Sangrur
- Agent Lovepreet Singh was booked for demanding ₹7,000 for a driving license.
- Data entry operator Avinas Garg (Punjab State Transport Society) was also caught engaging in corrupt practices.
Tarn Taran
- Private agent Lakhbir Singh Dhillon was arrested for demanding ₹3,500 to issue a driving license.
Gurdaspur
- Agents Kulbir Singh and Indrass were booked for demanding ₹9,000 from MVI officials to facilitate illegal transactions.
Bathinda
- Three individuals, Krishan Lal, Inderjit Singh, and Naveen Kumar, were found involved in creating RCs using fake addresses.
Impact of the Punjab VB Crackdown on Corruption in RTA Offices
1. Increased Transparency in the RTA System
The crackdown has sent a strong message to corrupt officials and agents, reinforcing the need for transparency in public services. Applicants will now have fair access to transport services without facing illegal demands for bribes.
2. Strengthening Public Trust in the Government
Citizens who had lost faith in the transport system due to rampant corruption now have renewed confidence in the government’s efforts to maintain integrity in public offices.
3. Deterrence for Future Corruption
The arrests and FIRs registered will act as a deterrent, discouraging other officials from engaging in similar corrupt practices in the future.
Preventive Measures to Combat Corruption in RTA Offices
To ensure a corruption-free transport system, the following measures should be implemented:
1. Digitalization of Services
- Implementing a fully digital process for driving license applications and other transport services can eliminate middlemen and reduce corruption.
2. CCTV Monitoring in RTA Offices
- Installing CCTV cameras in RTA offices and driving test centers will help monitor officials and agents engaging in illegal activities.
3. Strict Punishments for Corrupt Officials
- Those found guilty of corruption should face strict legal action, including dismissal from government service and criminal prosecution.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns
- Citizens should be educated about the official procedure for obtaining driving licenses and other transport services, ensuring they do not fall prey to corrupt agents.
5. Strengthening the Punjab Vigilance Bureau
- The Punjab VB should continue its rigorous monitoring of government offices and encourage citizens to report corruption through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line.
Conclusion
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s surprise raids on RTA offices and driving test centers across the state have exposed a well-organized network of corruption. With 24 arrests and 16 FIRs registered, the crackdown marks a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in public services.
