Pune Cantonment Board Faces Questions Over Alleged Use of Unfit Vehicles
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Camp, 2nd October 2026: The Pune Cantonment Board has come under scrutiny following complaints submitted to authorities alleging that old, damaged and allegedly scrapped vehicles are being used for civic and health department work, raising concerns over public safety and compliance with motor vehicle regulations.
Pune Cantonment resident Akash Anil Chavan has approached multiple authorities seeking an inquiry into vehicles allegedly being used by the Board. In a complaint addressed to the Defence Minister, Chavan alleged that some vehicles operating in the Cantonment area are in an old and deteriorated condition and questioned whether they are fit to be driven on public roads.
The complaint seeks a comprehensive fitness inspection of vehicles being used by the Pune Cantonment Board. It also calls for the withdrawal of any vehicles found to be unsafe or unfit for road use and verification of their fitness certificates, insurance and other mandatory documents.
TATA ACE jetting vehicle under scrutiny
A separate complaint submitted to the Pune Police Commissioner concerns a TATA ACE jetting vehicle bearing registration number MH-12-NX-2735, which is reportedly being used for work related to the Pune Cantonment Board’s Health Department.
According to the complaint, the vehicle was allegedly involved in an incident within the jurisdiction of Lashkar Police Station, where it came into contact with an auto-rickshaw, allegedly damaging its cover. A complaint was subsequently registered through the Maharashtra Police 112 service under Complaint ID CFS39875952, according to the document.
Chavan has sought an inquiry into the incident, including an inspection of the site and the vehicles involved. He has also requested verification of the vehicle’s legal and technical condition, as well as an inquiry into the responsibilities of the contractor, supervisor or company responsible for providing and maintaining the vehicle.
The complaint specifically seeks verification of the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC), fitness certificate, motor vehicle tax, insurance, pollution under control (PUC) certificate, permit and other applicable documents.
It also requests a technical inspection of the vehicle’s brakes, handbrake, tyres, lights, indicators, steering, horn, reflectors and other safety equipment.
Allegation of scrapped vehicle being used
Another complaint alleges that a vehicle associated with the Pune Cantonment Board’s Health Department had been scrapped but was subsequently being used. The complaint has sought an inquiry and appropriate action by the authorities.
The complaint was also forwarded by the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office to the concerned department for necessary action and further inquiry. According to the communication from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the complaint was forwarded to the Medical Education and Drugs Department.
Demand to inspect other vehicles
The complaint submitted to the Pune Police also calls for an inspection of other vehicles being used through contractors for various Pune Cantonment Board activities.
The complainant has sought verification of work orders, contract agreements, vehicle deployment records, logbooks, duty registers, maintenance records, supervisor details and payment records.
It further seeks verification of registration certificates, fitness certificates, insurance, PUC certificates, motor vehicle tax, permits and other required approvals for vehicles being used by different departments of the Cantonment Board.
The complaint states that the objective is not to hold drivers or employees responsible in advance, but to establish responsibility based on available evidence, official records and contractual obligations.
The allegations have prompted a demand for a detailed inspection of vehicles being operated for Pune Cantonment Board work, particularly those used for health and sanitation-related services.
The documents submitted in support of the complaints do not, by themselves, establish that the vehicles were legally unfit for use or that any particular individual or contractor was responsible for violations. These matters remain subject to verification by the concerned authorities.
