Three Bandlaguda RTO officials suspended after viral video shows cash being counted

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Three officials of the Bandlaguda Regional Transport Office, including the RTO, were suspended on Sunday after a video purportedly showing a transport constable counting currency notes inside the office went viral on social media.

Transport Commissioner K. Ilambarithi issued separate suspension orders against Regional Transport Officer L. Ramchander, Motor Vehicle Inspector D. Bheem Singh and Transport Constable V. Arun Kumar with immediate effect. A preliminary inquiry into the alleged unauthorised collection of money at the office is underway.

The action followed media reports and the circulation of the video, which showed the constable counting currency notes during office hours while applications submitted by members of the public for transport-related services, including learner’s licences, were kept before him. A person was also seen seated near a computer used for conducting tests.

The department said the source and purpose of the cash remained unexplained at this stage. Reports had also alleged that money was being collected at the RTO office through brokers or agents.

In Arun Kumar’s case, the suspension order said counting currency notes inside the office was not part of his official duties. The department said his continued presence at the office could prejudice the inquiry, including access to records, CCTV footage and witnesses.

Action was also initiated against RTO Ramchander, who, as the head of the office, was responsible for its discipline, integrity and functioning. The suspension order said there was, prima facie, a failure to control unauthorised collection of money, handling of cash by staff and the presence of brokers in the office.

Motor Vehicle Inspector Bheem Singh, who was in charge of the section and test area where the incident allegedly occurred, was also suspended. The department said he had, prima facie, failed to supervise staff under his control and prevent unauthorised handling of cash and the presence of unauthorised persons in the test area.

The orders said the alleged lapses, prima facie, amounted to lack of integrity and devotion to duty and conduct unbecoming of government servants under the Telangana Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964.

The Transport Department said strict action would be taken over the presence of agents in its offices and that the respective RTO would be held accountable if agents were permitted inside.

Further disciplinary action will be considered after the preliminary inquiry report, according to the suspension orders.

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