Andheri RTO staff allegedly issued uninspected fitness certificates

Authorities in Mumbai are investigating a suspected fraud at the Andheri Regional Transport Office (RTO). This follows a separate scam involving fake driving licenses. The new case involves inspectors allegedly issuing vehicle fitness certificates without proper checks. Reports indicate that RTO staff were giving out more than 60 fitness certificates each day. Official guidelines allow inspection of only 25 to 30 vehicles daily. This irregularity apparently also occurred during weekends and holidays, when the RTO typically does not operate. Transport officials confirmed the investigation is ongoing. They suspect that vehicle owners might have bribed staff to bypass mandatory inspections. The investigation is also looking into potential use of forged documents by applicants. Initial findings suggest that over 500 vehicles, including buses and trucks, received fitness certificates improperly. The safety of these vehicles is crucial for public transport. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik recently highlighted the previous scandal involving 76,000 driving licenses issued under questionable circumstances. Two officials were suspended in connection with that case after an audit revealed significant irregularities. The audit found that a very small number of vehicles were used repeatedly for driving tests, raising further concerns about the validity of the licensing process.