Illegal collection from vehicles: ARTO, Jr MVI and 3 middlemen arrested in Berhampur

Golanthara Police on Tuesday arrested five persons including one Additional Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), junior Motor Vehicles Inspector (MVI) and three middlemen on the charges of extorting money through illegal fines from vehicles on NH-16.

As per initial reports, the cops first caught hold of the junior MVI and three middlemen when they were allegedly extorting money from heavy vehicles from the stretch of the NH near Girisola. It is alleged that they were illegally extorting Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 from the vehicle drivers on the pretext of fines for violations and inspections.

It is alleged that they have been indulging in such corrupt practices for the past couple of years. It was only three days back when Berhampur Police got information that some persons posing as transport department officials were engaged in the collection of money from heavy vehicles.

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The first three middlemen were detained from the spot. Later, carrying out a probe, the cops subsequently detained the junior MVI.

The involvement of the ARTO surfaced following the interrogation of the detained junior MVI and three middlemen and the examination of their mobile phones.

Surprisingly, a WhatsApp group was created by them in which the ARTO was also added. The group was created in 2022. Once the picture of the concerned vehicle was posted, it was not detained by others.

Subsequently, the residence of the ARTO, identified as K. Venkatesh, was searched and the cops seized around Rs 82,000 cash.
Police officials said that a detailed investigation will be carried out to ascertain whether there is involvement of other officials in such a racket.