VACB Launches Criminal Probe Into 40 Kerala MVD Officials Over Corruption Charges

Speedy Summary

• The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) initiated criminal enquiries against 40 Motor Vehicle department (MVD) officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
• Disciplinary action has been recommended for an additional 112 MVD officials on charges of bribery.
• Operation “Clean Wheels” saw simultaneous raids across 81 MVD offices in kerala, including 17 regional transport offices (RTOs) and 64 sub-regional transport offices, on July 20.
• VACB unearthed a corrupt nexus involving RTO officials and agents extorting bribes from citizens for services like fitness certificates, driving licenses, permits for vehicles, and re-registration processes.
• Surveillance cameras at driving test grounds were reportedly tampered with to facilitate issuing licenses to individuals who paid bribes without proper testing.
• Agents funneled money via UPI channels or gifted items like gold rings to evade anti-corruption measures; some transactions reached ₹8 lakh in a single day per office.
• WhatsApp and Telegram were used as communication tools by agents working under the guise of driving schools-many unlicensed with outdated infrastructure like ageing vehicles lacking certifications.
• Investigators found discrepancies such as rejected online applications due to minor errors and abandoned cash within MVD precincts.

Indian opinion Analysis

the findings by the Vigilance Bureau reveal large-scale corruption within Kerala’s Motor Vehicle Department that could have significant societal implications. Key issues include compromised road safety through cursory checks during vehicle fitness testing or improper issuance of driver’s licenses-a potential hazard for motorists and pedestrians alike. Moreover, tampering with surveillance systems not only undermines accountability but signals systemic violations requiring urgent reform.

The extensive use of digital platforms such as UPI channels reflects how corruption networks are evolving their strategies amidst wider adoption of technology in governance systems. This could also call attention to regulatory loopholes in electronic payment methods linked to public services.

Operation “Clean Wheels” represents a decisive step toward eradicating entrenched corruption; however, its success hinges on follow-up measures like enforcing stringent penalties against offenders while ensuring transparency mechanisms across all service levels in the department-including robust monitoring via functional surveillance systems.

Efforts must also focus on improving foundational structures like licensed training schools equipped with certified vehicles-which directly impact safety protocols-while nurturing public trust by streamlining legitimate submission routes free from exploitative practices.

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