100+ RTO officers blow the whistle on ‘corruption syndicate’ in Maha Transport Deptt

Nagpur: In an unprecedented revolt from within, more than 100 serving and retired Motor Vehicle Inspectors have collectively blown the whistle on what they describe as a deeply entrenched corruption network operating inside the Maharashtra Transport Department.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the officers have alleged the existence of a powerful syndicate running an organised extortion racket in the department, a system so entrenched that, according to them, it has divided the department into two clear camps: “corrupt” and “honest” officers.

This marks the first time in recent memory that such a large group of departmental officers has openly raised allegations of corruption against their own colleagues, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the functioning of the transport department.

‘Monthly insurance’ to avoid ACB action

According to sources familiar with the contents of the complaint, the letter names several controversial officers and alleges that two of them collect hefty monthly payments under the guise of “insurance.”

Officers who allegedly comply with these payments are said to be shielded from action by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB).

However, those who refuse to pay are reportedly targeted through fabricated complaints and trap operations, which are then used to damage their reputation and career.

In another disturbing allegation, two other officers are said to have threatened colleagues that failure to pay the monthly instalments could lead to ACB raids being orchestrated against them.

The fear is not unfounded. One of the officers named in the controversy, Yogesh Khairnar, had earlier been trapped by the Mumbai ACB at the Deori check-post, an incident that continues to be widely discussed within the department.

Demand for independent SIT probe

The whistle-blowers have urged Minister Bawankule to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a transparent probe, arguing that the alleged corruption goes far beyond routine departmental misconduct.

According to the complainants, the network could involve a wider nexus spanning multiple offices and agencies, making an independent investigation essential.

They have suggested that the SIT examine call records, tower locations, bank transactions, property details and all FIRs registered during the tenure of the accused officers to uncover the full extent of the alleged racket.

The officers have also demanded that all those named in the complaint be barred from entering any transport office in the state until the investigation is completed, followed by criminal proceedings if the allegations are proven.

Alleged syndicate and the ‘kingpin’ claim

The letter goes further, naming a retired transport official, Bajrang Kharamate, as the alleged mastermind of the syndicate.

According to the complaint, Kharamate is accused of operating the network along with officials including Ravindra Bhuyar, Raju Nagre, Anand Modak and Yogesh Khairnar.

The group is alleged to be running a systematic illegal collection racket, particularly at RTO check-posts, where transporters are allegedly forced to make unofficial payments.

The complaint also alleges that lucrative transfers within the department are decided through large monetary transactions, while officers who refuse to cooperate are threatened with false corruption traps.

A shadow over ACB links

Adding another layer to the controversy, insiders claim that one RTO officer who was widely discussed during the 2025 Assembly session has a brother who earlier served in the ACB.

Sources within the department claim that this connection may have helped maintain informal influence within the anti-corruption machinery, an allegation that has further fuelled suspicion among officers.

The fear among many officials, according to insiders, is that anyone could be framed in a trap case at any time, destroying both reputation and career overnight.

Department split down the middle

The explosive complaint has now exposed an intense internal conflict within the transport department.

On one side are officers demanding systemic reform and an independent probe. On the other are those accused of running an entrenched corruption network allegedly backed by influence and intimidation.

Observers say that if the allegations are not addressed swiftly and transparently, the controversy could escalate into a major political issue, raising serious questions about governance and accountability within one of Maharashtra’s most revenue-generating departments.

For now, all eyes are on the response of the state government, and whether the unprecedented whistle-blowing by its own officers will finally trigger a deep clean-up of the system.

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