Bengaluru Transport Inspector Faces FIR for Massive Fitness Certificate Scam
In a significant crackdown on corruption within the transport department, a senior transport inspector in Bengaluru has been formally booked for allegedly issuing fitness certificates (FCs) to a staggering 10,210 vehicles from other states, including Gujarat, without conducting any physical inspections whatsoever. The accused, identified as Nisar Ahmed of the Bangalore Central Regional Transport Office (RTO), was initially suspended last month after authorities from Gujarat's transport department raised a critical alert regarding the irregularities.
Retirement Amid Suspension and the Unfolding Investigation
Notably, Ahmed retired from service on January 31 while still under suspension, although no legal proceedings had been initiated against him at that time. The massive scam came to light following a formal notification from the Gujarat transport department to Karnataka authorities. The alert was supported by concrete toll plaza data, which clearly indicated that the vehicles in question had crossed toll booths within Gujarat on the exact same days their fitness certificates were reportedly being processed and issued in Bengaluru—a physical impossibility that pointed to fraudulent activity.
Formal Complaint and Call for Stringent Action
On February 12, S Nataraj Sharma, a lawyer and the president of the Federation of Private Transport Associations, submitted a detailed written complaint to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and Transport Commissioner Yogesh AM. In his complaint, Sharma explicitly sought a high-level inquiry against four officials, including the now-retired inspector Nisar Ahmed. He urged the authorities to thoroughly examine all available evidence, including CCTV footage, inspection registers, Vahan portal entries, and test records.
"Suspend the officers concerned pending inquiry if prima facie material is found. Take stringent disciplinary and legal action to prevent recurrence of such irregularities," Sharma stated emphatically in his complaint, highlighting the need for accountability and systemic reform.
Swift Departmental Response and FIR Registration
Taking immediate cognisance of the serious allegations, Transport Commissioner Yogesh AM directed the joint commissioner of transport to conduct a comprehensive probe on February 13. Following the submission of the investigation report, a First Information Report (FIR) was officially registered against Nisar Ahmed under various sections of the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), marking a decisive legal step in the case.
New Guidelines and Technological Measures to Prevent Future Fraud
In the wake of this extensive scam, the transport department has proactively issued fresh guidelines last month to overhaul the fitness certification process. The revised protocol now mandates that all vehicles must be inspected strictly at designated locations. Vehicle inspectors are required to capture photographs that clearly show the licence plate along with the date, time, and precise location of the inspection. These images must be submitted to department authorities and uploaded to the Vahan portal for verification and record-keeping.
To further enhance accountability and oversight, regional transport officers (RTOs) or office heads are now required to physically inspect at least 20% of all vehicles presented for fitness certification. Special emphasis will be placed on verifying vehicles registered in other states before any fitness certificates are issued, aiming to close loopholes exploited in this case.
"We have already begun deploying mobile phone-based geo-fencing technology to prevent misuse of the system. We are doing our best to ensure such incidents are not repeated," Commissioner Yogesh told The Times of India, underscoring the department's commitment to leveraging technology for transparency.
Appreciation for Departmental Initiatives and Ongoing Vigilance
Complainant S Nataraj Sharma expressed his appreciation for the department's responsive initiatives, particularly highlighting the minister's push to utilize advanced technology to curb corruption and facilitate contactless online services between the public and officials. "All officials involved in this act should be suspended," Sharma reiterated, calling for continued vigilance and strict action against any malpractice within the transport system to restore public trust and ensure road safety standards are upheld without compromise.
