BJP demands CBI probe into 'Rs 500 crore RTO transfer scam'

Bharatiya Janata Party has sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into Maharashtra Transport Minister Anil Parab, Transport Commissioner Avinash Dhakane and Wardha Deputy Regional Transport Officer Bajrang Khamate for their alleged involvement in a Rs 500 crore scam.

Claiming rampant corruption in the state's road transport ministry, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has accused them of raising crores of rupees illegally and distributing among themselves.

In a video posted on micro-blogging site Twitter, Somaiya alleged that many officers were replaced every two months for Rs 25-50 lakh, with an overall recovery of Rs 1 crore.

In another post, Somaiya shared a letter written by Union Road Transport and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari to Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar on October 22, 2020, urging the latter to act against Khamate, who allegedly acted on behalf of the state minister. 

The BJP leader claimed that Rs 200 crore had been collected by Bajrang Kharmate as advance money for allegedly transferring 250 RTO inspectors. 

These transfers are expected to be made in May or June, Somaiya said, claiming that the money for promotions and postings for other cadres had also been collected. 

To recall, Anil Parab was recently named by suspended assistant police inspector Sachin Vaze in his letter to the National Investigation Agency.

Vaze claimed that Parab had asked him to get into talks with a trust that had been facing a probe and collect Rs 50 crore from the trustees to close the probe. Vaze also alleged that Parab asked him to extort money from fraudulent contractors on a BMC list.

Ever since the allegations came to light, the BJP has been strongly seeking a CBI probe into Anil Parab as well. 

Speaking to media persons, Somaiya claimed that Anil Parab's only job has been to raise funds and make deals by transferring officers.

Citing social media posts, Somaiya alleged that Wardha Deputy RTO Bajrang Khamate collected Rs 200 crore in 2020 for the transfers done last year and deposited the funds on behalf of Anil Parab and Avinash Dhakane. 

The money has been disbursed between these officers and the ministers, he claimed.

The BJP leader dropped the names of more transport department officers like Nashik RTO Bharat Kalaskar and Deputy Transport Commissioner Jitendra Patil, both of whom -- he claims -- are important cogs in the wheel and earn lakhs of rupees as kickbacks.

Somaiya has written a letter to the state Governor and sought a full investigation into the matter.

• RTO transfer scam
• Anil Parab
• Kirit Somaiya
• BJP scam claim
• CBI probe
• RTO scam