Bhubaneswar: The police arrested Additional RTO K. Venketesh, Junior MVI Ratikanta Nahak of Ganjam and three agents for collecting money illegally from truck and heavy vehicle drivers on NH-16 under Golanthara Police Station in Ganjam.
According to police, Bharat Kumar Sahu (31), Rabindra Sahu (36) and B.Vijay Kumar (30) of Girisola village in the district were illegally and dishonestly collecting huge money from the heavy transport vehicles plying through N.H-16.They collected money with a promise of smooth passage without checking or legal troubles by RTO officials.
Acting on a credible tip-off, police team raided the spot where they were collecting money and detained the agents. During interrogation, they revealed that they were working on behalf of RTO officials, including N.K. Chhinira, Ex TI, Chatrapur. The agents collected money from truck drivers, ranging from Rs. 700 to Rs. 2,000, depending on the load, and shared it with the RTO officials through online transactions.
A case has been registered against the arrested individuals, including the government officials, under various sections of the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.