Even as the Transport Department has launched several citizen-centric services under the 5T initiative of the State Government, the highhandedness and abusive behaviour of some officials of the Chhatrapur RTO in Ganjam district seems to have crossed all limits.
Besides, these officials are alleged to be collecting bribes in the guise of enforcing the rules under the MV Act. This has upset the local populace and triggered widespread resentment particularly among vehicle owners even as they are struggling to make ends meet due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is alleged that Chhatrapur RTO Assistant MVI Akshya Jena is one of the main culprits. In an incident, Jena allegedly illegally imposed a fine of Rs 35,000 on a truck (TN57BC 9777), which was on its way to Tamil Nadu from the district with proper load.
When the vehicle owner P Ganesh Kumar complained to Jena and tweeted about this and tagged it to Transport Commissioner Arun Bothra, Jena panicked and tried to settle the matter by even agreeing to pay the fine himself!
It is alleged that Jena is mainly trying to target vehicles commuting on the National Highways from other Stats to collect bribes, even as many vehicles in the district are plying without valid permits, insurance and other documents. Besides, Jena has been caught on camera abusing vehicle owners in filthy language and also threatening them of dire consequences. He also boasts of his connection in the power corridors and claims that he also enjoys the patronage of his seniors like the Regional Transport Officer and the MVI and no harm would come if one complains.
The South Zone Motor Transport Association has also filed a petition against Jena and knocked at the doors of the 5T Secretary and Transport Commissioner demanding action for the former’s excesses and harassment of innocent vehicle owners to collect bribes. But till now no action has been initiated against the official. This has raised many an eyebrow.