Are Irregularities in Madhya Pradesh's Transport Office Ongoing?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ongoing Irregularities: Allegations of persistent irregularities in the Madhya Pradesh Transport department.
- Illegal Fines: Claims of illegal fines being imposed on truck drivers despite government reforms.
- Government Response: The state government ordered the closure of all transport checkposts.
- Investigative Actions: Raids conducted by IT and ED led to arrests in the transport department.
- Need for Accountability: The ongoing situation raises questions about governance and transparency.
Bhopal, May 6 (NationPress) Senior Congress figure and former Union Minister Arun Yadav raised concerns on Tuesday regarding the ongoing irregularities in the Madhya Pradesh Transport department. This situation persists even as the BJP government has proclaimed efforts to reform the system.
Yadav released a video on his social media platform X, showcasing the Regional Transport Office (RTO) barricaded at a checkpoint, conducting inspections of trucks and various loaded vehicles in the Shivpuri district.
The Congress leader accused the RTO of imposing illegal fines on truck drivers and other vehicles, contrary to the state government's previous decision to eliminate all checkpoints.
"The Madhya Pradesh government ordered the closure of all checkposts last year, yet extortion continues unabated at these locations. Ultimately, who holds more power than the government?" Yadav questioned.
He further inquired under whose authority such extortion is occurring, particularly when Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had declared a ban on all checkpoints in the state.
In July of the previous year, Chief Minister Yadav had mandated the dismantling of transport checkposts at the interstate borders within the state.
He also announced the formation of mobile units under temporary arrangements until new checkpoints are established, comprising district transport office personnel, enforcement staff, and Home Guards.
These reforms were introduced following numerous complaints about irregularities and illicit financial collections reported in the state, according to the Congress leader.
Continuously targeting the BJP over this matter, Yadav highlighted a significant scam within the transport department, which was uncovered after various investigative agencies, including the IT (Income Tax) and ED (Enforcement Directorate), conducted multiple raids on former Regional Transport Office Constable Saurabh Sharma, who, along with three associates, was apprehended a few months ago.