Mumbai RTO Officials Suspended Over Fake Driving Licence Scam

Two Mumbai RTO officers were suspended over a fake licence scam involving improper driving tests on invalid vehicles. An audit flagged the irregularities, prompting an internal investigation that confirmed procedural lapses. A large number of licences were issued based on these questionable tests.

Two officers from the Mumbai West Regional Transport Office have been suspended in a scam involving fake driving licences. Questionable driving tests were conducted on invalid vehicles in 2023-24, an official stated on Wednesday.

Assistant RTO Raosaheb Ragde and Motor Vehicle Inspector Umesh Devre were suspended following an investigation by the Transport Commissioner's office. The Maharashtra Accountant General flagged irregularities in the issuance of licences, prompting a probe.

The audit revealed nearly 75% of 1.04 lakh licences were issued during 2023-24 after questionable tests. Procedural lapses included using a single vehicle for tests irrespective of licence class, officials confirmed.