High-End Cars, Low Valuations: Karnataka RTOs Under Scanner After Registration Fraud, Officials Suspended
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Transport Department has issued a stern warning to officials and staff across all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) after cases of fake documentation and undervaluation of luxury cars during vehicle registration came to light.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the government would take strict and uncompromising action if any RTO is found creating bogus records, concealing the actual value of high-end vehicles, and causing revenue loss to the state exchequer.
Responding to a starred question raised by MLC Sharavana T.A. in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, the minister revealed that serious irregularities were detected at the Mangaluru and Udupi RTO offices, where luxury cars were registered using fabricated documents and suppressed valuation figures.
As part of disciplinary action, Assistant Section Officers, Superintendents, and First Division Assistants at the Mangaluru RTO, along with a Superintendent from the Udupi RTO, have been placed under suspension. Departmental inquiries against the accused officials are currently underway.
Further tightening the noose, the minister confirmed that, based on a proposal from the Lokayukta Police, prior approval has been granted under Section 17(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act to initiate a formal investigation against the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) of Udupi.
Ramalinga Reddy made it clear that any attempt to manipulate vehicle values, misuse authority, or defraud government revenue will not be tolerated, warning that similar violations anywhere in the state would invite immediate suspension, criminal prosecution, and departmental action.
The government, he added, is closely monitoring RTO operations statewide to ensure transparency, accountability, and strict compliance with registration norms—especially in cases involving high-value and luxury vehicles.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಐಷಾರಾಮಿ ಕಾರು ನೋಂದಣಿ ವಂಚನೆ ಬಹಿರಂಗ: ಮಂಗಳೂರು–ಉಡುಪಿ RTO ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳ ಅಮಾನತು
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