Pune: RTO Inspector Assaulted by Agent, Police Arrest Accused
Sumit Singh
Yerwada, 11th March 2023: An RTO inspector was physically assaulted and verbally abused by a broker at the Phulenagar Regional Transport Office (RTO) office in the Vishrantwadi area, Pune.
The incident highlights the growing prevalence of brokers in government offices, who make it difficult for citizens to carry out their work without their intervention.
The victim, motor vehicle inspector Abhijit Gaikwad (35), has lodged a complaint at the Yerwada police station, and the perpetrator, Niki Francis Swaminathan (38) of Indiranagar, Phulenagar, on Alandi Road, has been arrested.
According to the police, Swaminathan verbally abused Gaikwad and threw vehicle documents at him, before physically assaulting him.
The broker demanded that Gaikwad sign the documents and threatened to kill him if he refused. He also threatened to make a complaint to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and get everyone at the office trapped.
Gaikwad’s complaint highlights the need for strict action against brokers and touts in government offices, who not only make it difficult for citizens to carry out their work, but also create an environment of fear and intimidation for government officials. The incident should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to take necessary measures to eradicate such malpractices and ensure a corruption-free environment in government offices.
The police have arrested Swaminathan on charges of obstruction of government work and making threats. Police are further investigating the case.
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