CBI Detains Six Delhi Transport Officials Amid Corruption Probe
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Synopsis
In a significant post-Assembly election operation, the CBI has detained six officials from the Delhi Transport Department on charges of corruption and bribery. This action follows multiple complaints alleging widespread corruption within the department.
Key Takeaways
- CBI arrested six Delhi transport officials.
- Charges include corruption and bribery.
- Action comes after complaints of rampant corruption.
- Delhi Transport Department has a long history.
- Recent elections saw a political shift in Delhi.
New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) In a significant post-Assembly election operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has detained six officials from the Delhi Transport Department on allegations of corruption and bribery, according to announcements made on Wednesday.
Sources indicate that these arrests stem from numerous complaints citing rampant corruption within the department.
The CBI initiated an extensive surveillance operation to substantiate these allegations before proceeding with the arrests.
During the investigation, authorities uncovered preliminary evidence suggesting corruption across various tiers, which prompted the arrests.
The Delhi Transport Department boasts a long-standing administrative history. In May 1948, the Government of India's Ministry of Transport assumed control of the city's bus operations, establishing the Delhi Transport Service after deeming the previous services provided by Gwalior and Northern India Transport Company Ltd. inadequate.
By 1950, the Delhi Road Transport Authority was formed under the Road Transport Corporation Act, becoming part of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi in 1958. However, a Planning Commission Working Group later identified inefficiencies and revenue losses within the transport system, leading to the central government's assumption of management in 1971 through the Delhi Road Transport Laws (Amendment) Act.
The Delhi Transport Undertaking (DTU), formerly managed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, ceased operations, resulting in the establishment of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). Initially under the control of the central government, DTC was transferred to the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi on August 5, 1996.
This recent action by the CBI signifies the first substantial initiative by the investigative agency following the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) electoral loss, wherein the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a historic resurgence in Delhi after 27 years. The BJP secured 48 out of 70 Assembly seats, diminishing AAP's representation to 22, while the Congress failed to win any seats for the third consecutive election.
In the wake of the election outcomes, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena issued an official notification declaring the dissolution of the seventh Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, effective February 8.
The political landscape of Delhi shifted after a decade of AAP governance. Outgoing Chief Minister Atishi managed to retain her seat in Kalkaji by defeating BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri with a margin of 3,521 votes and submitted her resignation to the L-G on February 9.
