Andhra Pradesh: In a significant development, recently aired a video exposing the misconduct of RTO (Regional Transport Office) personnel in Andhra Pradesh, leading to swift action from the state’s Transport Minister and the Transport Commissioner.
The video highlighted an incident where an RTO official, identified as Vijay Bhaskar Raju, along with others, approached a group of drivers sitting at a local dhaba (restaurant) without wearing their official uniforms and using private vehicles. The drivers alleged that the officials threatened them, tried to check their vehicles unlawfully, and even engaged in physical altercations. The drivers, however, stood united and confronted the officials, forcing them to leave the premises.
The video captured the moment when the RTO officials, who were not in uniform, tried to exert their authority. The situation escalated when the drivers questioned the legality of their actions and demanded identification. After the incident was aired on youtube channel, the Transport Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Mandeep Pally Ram Prasad Reddy, took immediate steps to address the issue.
A letter was sent by the Transport Commissioner, commending the media outlet for exposing the matter, and indicating that further action would be taken against the involved officials. The letter also made it clear that strict measures would be implemented for RTO personnel, emphasizing that no officer would be allowed to conduct vehicle checks or take any enforcement actions without being in proper uniform and using an official vehicle.
Key Points from the Transport Commissioner’s Directive:
- All RTO personnel, including Motor Vehicle Inspectors and Assistant Inspectors, are now required to carry out their duties only in official uniform and with a government-issued vehicle.
- A strict memo was issued to RTO staff, instructing them not to engage in any official action, such as vehicle checks, without complying with these regulations.
- Additionally, the official vehicle must prominently display the RTO’s signboard.
- Vijay Bhaskar Raju, the RTO official involved in the incident, has been asked to provide a written explanation as to why he acted without his uniform or official vehicle on the day of the incident. Further action will be taken if such violations occur again.
The Transport Minister also directed that any officials found violating these regulations would face serious consequences. As a result, one of the home guards involved in the incident has been transferred to a different region for their role in the misconduct.
This incident has sparked widespread discussion about the behavior of RTO personnel, who are supposed to uphold the law, yet sometimes fail to follow it themselves. The Transport Minister emphasized that transport officials must work within the boundaries of the law, setting a clear precedent for all RTO staff.
AP Transport Commissioner’s Message to Vehicle Owners and Drivers:
The incident also carries an important message for vehicle owners. In many instances, drivers are blamed for not following traffic laws. However, this case sheds light on the importance of holding authorities accountable as well. The drivers involved in this incident took a stand for their rights, and their actions led to the exposure of misconduct within the RTO.
The Transport Minister’s intervention and the ensuing crackdown on errant officials underscore the importance of accountability within government offices, especially those tasked with ensuring public safety and adherence to the law.
This episode serves as a reminder that both citizens and law enforcement personnel must respect the law equally. The RTO is expected to operate with transparency and integrity, ensuring that their actions are in line with legal and ethical standards.