Vigilance Bureau Arrested 24 Unexpected Raids At RTA Office Driving Test Centers
Vigilance Bureau Arrested 24 Unexpected Raids At RTA Office Driving Test Centers. Chandigarh, April 7, 2025 – In a decisive move to curb corruption in government offices, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) conducted unexpected raids at Regional Transport Authority (RTA) offices and driving test centers across the state. These operations led to the arrest of 24 individuals, including government officials and private agents, who were caught accepting bribes for facilitating driving licenses and other transport-related services.
Major Highlights of the Vigilance Bureau Raids
The crackdown was executed by VB Ranges, the Flying Squad, and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). This action followed multiple complaints received through the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line. The goal was to eradicate corruption, ensure transparency, and protect citizens from exploitation by dishonest officials and intermediaries.
Outcomes of the Operation:
- 24 arrests were made across various cities.
- 16 FIRs were registered against those involved in corruption.
- A total of Rs. 40,900 was confiscated from middlemen.
- Agents and officials were caught red-handed accepting bribes.
- The operation exposed a network of corrupt individuals, including RTA officers, agents, and data entry operators.
Uncovering the Corruption Network
During the operation, agents and government employees were found charging bribes ranging from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 12,000 to manipulate driving tests, fast-track license issuance, and issue fake registration certificates (RCs).
Here’s a breakdown of the arrests across different cities:
| Location | Individuals Arrested | Bribe Amount (Rs.) | Role in Corruption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohali | Sukhwinder Singh | 5,000 (Caught with 2,500) | Agent for driving license approval |
| Fatehgarh Sahib | Paramjit Singh | 5,000 | Fast-tracking driving license approvals |
| Ludhiana | Pankaj Arora (Sunny), Deepak Kumar, Manish Kumar | 1,500 – 3,500 | Bribes for license processing |
| Jalandhar | Mohit Kumar, Vijay Kumar | 2,000 | Manipulating driving test schedules |
| Hoshiarpur | Ashok Kumar | 5,000 | Clearing tests without proper trials |
| Kapurthala | Sher Amrik Singh | 12,000 | Suspected RTA collusion |
| SBS Nagar | Jatinder Singh (Junior Assistant), Manish Kumar (Data Entry Operator), Kewal Krishan, Kamal Kumar | Not disclosed | Misuse of RTA office resources |
| Sangrur | Lovepreet Singh, Avinas Garg | 7,000 | Driving license approval |
| Tarn Taran | Lakhbir Singh Dhillon | 3,500 | Driving license processing |
| Gurdaspur | Kulbir Singh, Indrass | 9,000 | MVI official bribery |
| Bathinda | Krishan Lal, Inderjit Singh, Naveen Kumar | Not disclosed | Fake RCs with fraudulent addresses |
How Corruption Was Operating in RTA Offices
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s investigation has revealed a well-organized network of corruption where RTA employees and agents colluded to extort money from applicants. The common tactics used included:
1. Bribery for Driving License Approvals
Many applicants were asked to pay extra fees to have their driving tests cleared without appearing. Agents worked in collusion with RTA officials to manipulate results and fast-track approvals.
2. Fast-Tracking Driving Test Appointments
Several individuals paid bribes to schedule earlier driving tests, skipping the queue of legitimate applicants. This deprived honest citizens of their fair chance to acquire a license through legal means.
3. Issuing Fake Registration Certificates (RCs)
In Bathinda, accused individuals were involved in creating fake RCs using fraudulent addresses, which could lead to illegal vehicle registrations and potential crimes.
4. Manipulating Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) Reports
Agents in Gurdaspur were caught taking Rs. 9,000 bribes to alter MVI reports, allowing unfit vehicles to pass inspections. This could have severe safety consequences.
Government Commitment to Eliminating Corruption
An official spokesperson from the Punjab Vigilance Bureau stated:
“We are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in government services. These raids send a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated. We will continue to identify and prosecute corrupt officials and agents involved in malpractice.”
Authorities have assured that the investigations will continue, and more arrests could follow. The VB is also exploring the possibility of digitalizing RTA services to reduce human intervention and minimize corruption.
Public Reaction to the Vigilance Bureau Crackdown
The public has welcomed the crackdown, appreciating the government’s efforts to protect citizens from exploitation. Many applicants had previously complained about the difficulty in obtaining licenses without paying bribes.
However, some also expressed concerns that the corrupt network might still exist at deeper levels. Activists have called for systematic reforms to ensure permanent eradication of such practices in the transport department.
How the Public Can Report Corruption in RTA Offices
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau urges citizens to report any corruption-related activities via the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line. If anyone is asked for a bribe, they can take the following steps:
- Call the Anti-Corruption Helpline and report the incident.
- Provide evidence, such as videos, audio recordings, or messages.
- Avoid paying bribes and insist on official channels for processing.
- File a formal complaint with the VB office.
Official Reporting Platforms:
- Anti-Corruption Helpline: [Toll-Free Number]
- Email Complaint: [VB Official Email]
- Online Portal: [Punjab Vigilance Bureau Website]
Conclusion
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau’s crackdown on corruption in RTA offices and driving test centers is a significant step towards transparency and efficiency in public services. The arrest of 24 individuals, including government officials and agents, highlights the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.
