Navi Mumbai ACB Catches RTO Agent Taking ₹4,500 Bribe

A 62-year-old RTO agent, Vilas Ganpat Sanagar, was caught by the Navi Mumbai unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday while allegedly accepting ₹4,500 as a bribe from a driving school operator. The incident occurred outside the Kharghar RTO office in Panvel.

The accused had demanded the money for himself and in the name of a public servant in connection with the transfer of an autorickshaw permit. The complainant, a 37-year-old driving school operator, had approached Sanagar to transfer the permit into his name on the basis of an authority letter.

After examining the documents, Sanagar reportedly informed the complainant that the government fee for the process was ₹25,700, and allegedly demanded an additional ₹4,500 as a bribe. The complainant approached the ACB on August 11, following which the agency verified the allegation.

During the verification process, the bribe demand of ₹4,500 was confirmed. Based on the verification, the ACB laid a trap in front of the Kharghar RTO office on Tuesday. Sanagar allegedly accepted ₹4,500 from the complainant at around 1.56 pm in the presence of panch witnesses.

The trap team immediately took him into custody. According to Dharmaraj Sonke, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Navi Mumbai ACB, the demand for ₹4,500 was confirmed during the verification, and a trap was laid to catch the accused.

Sanagar, a resident of New Panvel, was taken into custody, and arrangements are being made for his arrest. A case is being registered at Kharghar police station under Section 7(A) of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The ACB has appealed to citizens to report any demand for bribes or information related to corruption involving public servants to the department. The trap operation was carried out by Police Inspector Nita Bhasele under the supervision of DySP Sonke.

The incident highlights the efforts of the ACB to curb corruption in the region. The agency has been actively working to prevent bribery and corruption, and this case is a significant step in that direction.

The arrest of the RTO agent sends a strong message to those involved in corrupt practices. The ACB's actions demonstrate their commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the system.

In recent years, there have been several cases of corruption reported in the region, and the ACB has been working tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those involved. This case is a testament to the agency's dedication to eradicating corruption and promoting good governance.

The incident also serves as a reminder to citizens to be vigilant and report any instances of corruption or bribery to the authorities. By working together, we can create a more transparent and accountable system, free from corruption and bribery.

In conclusion, the arrest of the RTO agent by the Navi Mumbai ACB is a significant step in the fight against corruption. The agency's efforts to prevent bribery and corruption are commendable, and this case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the system.