Fraudulent money collection on pretext of road safety drives in Odisha: Official warning issued

Amidst reports of illegal money collection from vehicle drivers under the false impression of conducting road safety, the State Transport Authority (STA) has reportedly warned of stringent action. The STA came down heavily on those collecting money on the pretext of road safety drives and warned of action.

The STA also directed RTOs to take immediate action in such incidents. The warning came after reports of money collection emerged in the Sundargarh district. 

“No one has been granted permission to engage in such activities, and vehicle owners or drivers should neither trust nor pay these individuals,” informed Joint Transport Commissioner (road safety) Pradeep Kumar Mohanty.

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Most of the fraudsters are often from outside the state and are primarily active in border districts and mining areas, targeting trucks and buses.

Meanwhile, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur has also directed Sundargarh RTO to take the matter seriously and take action against those involved in the collection of money from vehicle drivers.

Expressing concern against the rise in defrauding people in the name of road safety, Thakur also discussed the issue with the District Collector and SP of Sundargarh and demanded strict legal action against the fraudsters.

Meanwhile, the STA also appealed to people to report such incidents if they are stopped on highways for illegal money collection.

“Instructions have been issued to all RTOs across the state to take immediate action if such activities are reported in their areas, not just in Sundargarh,” the Transport Commissioner said.