The Uttar Pradesh government has taken decisive action against alleged corruption within its transport department, suspending three Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) following the registration of a formal police case. The move underscores the state administration's stated zero-tolerance stance on graft.
Swift Action Following STF FIR
The suspensions were ordered on Friday by the state government, just days after the officers were formally booked. The suspended officials are Rajiv Kumar Bansal (Lucknow), Ambuj (Rae Bareli), and Pushpanjali Mitra Gautam (Fatehpur). The directive for their suspension came directly from Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh.
The legal basis for this administrative action stems from a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Special Task Force (STF). The case was filed at the Lalganj police station in Rae Bareli. The officers face charges under a combination of stringent laws, including relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Graft
Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh was unequivocal in his statement, linking the suspensions directly to the government's anti-corruption drive. He asserted that the action aligns with the state's firm policy against dishonesty. "The government is strict against corruption, and no act of corruption by any officer or employee at any level is acceptable," Singh stated.
This public declaration reinforces the official stance that misconduct within the bureaucracy will be met with immediate and serious consequences, regardless of the position held.
Departmental Investigations Handed Over to Senior Officials
Concurrently with the suspensions, the government has initiated departmental inquiries to probe the allegations in depth. The investigation process has been assigned to senior officials to ensure impartiality.
The probe against ARTO Rae Bareli and ARTO Fatehpur has been entrusted to Deputy Transport Commissioner Mayank Jyoti. Meanwhile, the investigation concerning ARTO Lucknow will be conducted by Deputy Transport Commissioner KD Singh.
A government official clarified that the current suspension is an interim measure. If the departmental investigations find the officers guilty, further stringent action will be initiated against them. This two-pronged approach—criminal proceedings via the STF FIR and parallel departmental inquiries—indicates a comprehensive effort to address the allegations.
The case has brought the focus back on governance and accountability within state departments, particularly those like the Regional Transport Office that have direct public interface and are often perceived as prone to malpractices.
