In a major anti-corruption action, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has uncovered a large-scale racket involving illegal toll collection from overloaded trucks plying through Raebareli and Fatehpur districts. The STF has filed an FIR against 11 individuals, including the Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) of both districts, under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The FIR was lodged at Lalganj Police Station following a detailed investigation that revealed a well-organized network of government officials, clerks, and middlemen involved in extorting money from transporters in exchange for allowing overloaded vehicles to pass unchecked.
The Operation and Arrests
According to the STF’s preliminary report, the team arrested two individuals — Mohit Singh, a resident of Ambara Paschim in Raebareli, and truck driver Sunil Yadav, a resident of Ayodhya district.
Investigations revealed that Mohit Singh acted as a key conduit, collecting illegal payments from truckers and passing on the proceeds to officials in both districts.
During the operation, the STF recovered ₹4,270 in cash, seven bank cards, three mobile phones, a bank passbook, PAN and Aadhaar cards, and a Scorpio SUV from Mohit Singh. From Sunil Yadav, the STF seized ₹1,500 and a mobile phone. Officials also found a list of 141 trucks that were allegedly being “cleared” monthly after payments.
Who Has Been Named in the FIR
The FIR names several officials and their aides, including:
- Pushpanjali, ARTO (Enforcement), Fatehpur
- Sikandar, her driver
- Akhilesh Chaturvedi, Passenger Tax Officer (PTO), Fatehpur
- Ashok Tiwari, his driver
- Ambuj, ARTO (Enforcement), Raebareli
- Naushad, his clerk
- Rehana, PTO Raebareli
- Sushil, her driver
- Along with Mohit Singh, Sunil Yadav, and Mithun, an alleged associate
How the Extortion Network Worked
STF sources said the racket had been active for several months, with each overloaded truck paying a fixed “monthly clearance” fee to avoid challans and enforcement checks.
During questioning, Mohit Singh reportedly confessed that the extorted funds were distributed as follows:
- ₹2,500 per truck per month to ARTO Fatehpur’s driver Sikandar
- ₹2,500 to PTO Fatehpur’s driver Ashok Tiwari
- ₹3,500 to ARTO Raebareli’s clerk Naushad
- ₹1,500 to PTO Raebareli’s driver Sushil
Mohit kept ₹500 per vehicle for himself.
The system ensured that the listed trucks were not stopped or fined by the transport department, allowing the illegal operations to continue uninterrupted.
Wider Implications and Ongoing Probe
The STF suspects the involvement of a larger network of officials who were facilitating this extortion racket. Several of the named officers have reportedly been taken into custody for questioning, though officials have not confirmed their detention publicly.
Investigators are now scrutinizing the bank accounts and financial transactions of all accused to trace the money trail. Digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats and call records, is also being analyzed to establish links between the officials and middlemen.
STF Sub-Inspector, who led the operation, said:
“We have arrested two individuals and recovered evidence indicating a structured bribery network involving transport officials. Further arrests will follow. The involvement of department officers is under detailed investigation.”
The revelations have sent shockwaves through the state’s transport department, exposing deep-rooted corruption within the enforcement system. The STF’s swift action has not only unmasked a well-established bribery mechanism but also raised serious questions about the integrity of public offices meant to uphold transport regulations.
