Maharashtra Government Orders High-Level Probe into Alleged RTO Corruption; SIT Formed to Investigate Illegal Recovery Network

The Maharashtra government has announced a high-level inquiry into alleged corruption and illegal collection within the Regional Transport Office (RTO), with a three-member SIT set up to investigate the alleged organised recovery racket.

Mumbai | July 8, 2026

The Maharashtra government has ordered a high-level investigation into allegations of corruption and organised illegal recoveries within the Regional Transport Office (RTO), with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assuring the Legislative Assembly that strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

The announcement came during the Question Hour in the Assembly after Leader of the Opposition in the Congress Legislature Party Vijay Wadettiwar raised concerns over an alleged organised extortion network operating within the Transport Department. He claimed that serious irregularities ranging from illegal vehicle registrations to systematic collections had been taking place, particularly in the Nagpur RTO.

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik informed the House that the government has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by IPS officer Priyanka Narnaware, to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged recovery racket. The SIT will also investigate allegations linked to retired RTO officer Bajrang Kharmate, whose name has figured prominently in complaints regarding the matter.

During the discussion, Wadettiwar alleged that several officials had remained posted in the Vidarbha region for over 15 years and were part of an organised network involved in illegal collections. He named multiple serving and former officials while demanding a detailed investigation into their roles. He further alleged that honest officers who refused to participate in the alleged recovery system were deliberately targeted through fabricated complaints and anti-corruption trap cases. Audio recordings supporting his allegations were also submitted to the Assembly Speaker.

Chief Minister Fadnavis stated that the government would conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry into all allegations. Transport Minister Sarnaik added that the Economic Offences Wing had already initiated an investigation into earlier complaints involving Kharmate, and the newly formed SIT would examine every allegation, including the names placed before the House. He assured that stringent disciplinary and legal action, including dismissal from service, would be initiated if any official is found guilty.

The minister also announced that Maharashtra will tighten vehicle registration procedures to curb tax evasion by individuals registering vehicles in other states despite residing in Maharashtra. Future registrations are expected to involve stricter verification of bank-financed purchases, proof of local residence, and GST compliance.

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