Are There Irregularities in the Madhya Pradesh Transport Department?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing allegations of corruption in Madhya Pradesh Transport Department.
- Former Union Minister Arun Yadav raises serious questions about illegal fines.
- Government claims of reform challenged by persistent issues.
- Chief Minister's ban on checkpoints raises concerns about enforcement.
- Investigations by IT and ED highlight the need for accountability.
Bhopal, May 6 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Arun Yadav raised serious allegations on Tuesday regarding the ongoing irregularities within the Madhya Pradesh Transport Department, despite the BJP government's assertions of reforms.
In a video shared on his social media platform X, Yadav showcased a scene at the Regional Transport Office where a checkpoint was established, inspecting trucks and other loaded vehicles in Shivpuri district.
The Congress leader asserted that the RTO department continues to impose illegal fines on truck drivers and other vehicles, even after the state government had declared the abolition of all checkpoints.
"The Madhya Pradesh government ordered the closure of all checkposts last year, yet extortion persists unabated at these locations. Who, after all, is more powerful than the government?" Yadav questioned.
He also raised concerns about who is directing the extortion under the pretext of inspections, especially when Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had announced a ban on all checkpoints in the state.
In July of last year, Chief Minister Yadav had mandated the elimination of transport checkposts at the interstate borders.
He further revealed plans to establish mobile units temporarily until new checkpoints are operational, which would include district transport office personnel, enforcement staff, and Home guards.
These reforms followed numerous complaints about irregularities and illegal monetary collections reported in the state, as stated by the Congress leader.
The Congress party has been consistently criticizing the BJP regarding this matter, he added.
A significant scam in the transport department was uncovered after several investigative agencies, including the Income Tax (IT) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), conducted multiple raids at the former Regional Transport Office Constable Saurabh Sharma, who, along with three associates, was arrested a few months ago.