Agents from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) raided the RTA check station in Aswaraopet, Kothagudem district, near the AP-Telangana border. They found Rs 35,000 in illegal cash collected from truck drivers.
Reports of RTA officials collecting money illicitly from passing trucks prompted the investigation. It was discovered that RTA officials hired illegal workers to extort money from drivers. During the raid, Rs 20,000 was also found with these unauthorized workers.
The extortion scheme involved collecting money based on the number of tires on the trucks: Rs 200 for a 14-tyre vehicle, Rs 400 for a 16-tyre truck, and Rs 600 for an 18-tyre truck, regardless of the truck’s documentation status.
The ACB operation revealed irregularities in the collection of money by RTA officials and private workers. The Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), Janardhan Reddy, was found to be in civilian attire while on duty, indicating a lack of adherence to protocol.
MVI Janardhan Reddy and seven private employees were arrested during the raid. Legal action has been taken against them for their involvement in the illegal money collection scheme. Inspectors B. Sunil Kumar and N Shekhar were instrumental in the successful execution of the operation.
