Govt lenient on extortionist officers in MP:Officials caught on camera during illegal deals not suspended, only transferred

Government officials in MP get caught on camera dealing in bribery and extortion, but the government doesn’t care. No strict action is taken against them. Bhaskar had made a deal for illegal extortion with the employees and officers posted at MP’s transport check points. Instead of suspending them, the transport department merely attached them, even though they were caught on camera dealing for 20 to 60 thousand. The All India Motor Transport Congress had written a letter to the Chief Minister demanding strict action. The association had written that this was tarnishing the image of the government and the state. Sting operation conducted as a Rajasthan transporter Bhaskar, posing as a transporter from Rajasthan, had dealt with the staff to get vehicles through four checkpoints in the state: Khilchipur, Multai, Neemuch, and Sendhwa. At Khilchipur check point, Constables R.P. Singh Hanotia and Amit Jharwade had made a deal for 60 thousand for 15 vehicles. At Neemuch checkpoint, RTO PS Bhilala had made a deal of 20 thousand for 10 vehicles. All three have been transferred by the transport department. Minister’s approval came after delay After the expose involving Mandsaur RTO PS Bhilala, Transport Commissioner Umesh Joga did not take immediate action. Since the RTO post is a gazetted position, action required government approval. Following the sting, the department sent a proposal to the minister, who approved the transfer on April 17. Bhilala was then posted to the Deputy Transport Office in Jabalpur on April 18. Bhilala had additional charge of the Neemuch check point along with Mandsaur. In the sting, he allegedly claimed strong influence from Ujjain to Sendhwa and assured smooth passage without any issues. Action against constables at Khilchipur Constables RP Singh Hanotia and Amit Jharwade, posted at the Khilchipur check point in Rajgarh district, were caught on hidden camera during the deal. They were removed and attached to the Gwalior transport office. The official order specifically mentioned the Dainik Bhaskar sting operation. Action taken in Shivpuri case as well After a video from the Shivpuri check point went viral, Transport Sub-Inspector Shailendra Rajput was temporarily attached to the Gwalior Transport Commissioner’s office until further orders. Transport Sub-Inspector Suman Dixit, also posted at Shivpuri, was similarly attached to the Gwalior office. In a separate incident at Sikandra barrier, transport staff allegedly stopped a passenger bus and demanded an entry fee. When the driver refused, he was assaulted, and passengers, including women and children, were reportedly mistreated. Transport Association writes to Chief Minister Following the expose, the All India Motor Transport Congress wrote to Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, demanding strict action. The association said illegal collections at check points are tarnishing the state’s image and must be stopped immediately. It also noted that transport rules do not allow illegal collection or coercive enforcement. The association blamed lack of monitoring for the situation. It pointed out that check posts were shut on July 1, 2024, to curb corruption, but the current system has deviated from that goal. Six key suggestions for reform The association proposed six measures to improve governance: ₹1,700 crore annual collection at check points Check points became operational from July 1, 2024. In just one year and nine months, collections have crossed ₹3,000 crore. According to the transport association, around 70,000 trucks pass through Madhya Pradesh daily. Each truck allegedly pays about ₹700 at check points, generating over ₹4 crore daily. Monthly collections reach approximately ₹147 crore, translating to ₹1,764 crore annually.