Jammu: The Crime Branch of Jammu has filed a chargesheet after completing its investigation into a nearly 17-year-old revenue fraud case involving the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Jammu. The case pertains to the alleged manipulation of one-time token tax records, misappropriation of government revenue, and the use of fake Public Service Vehicle (PSV) driving certificates to obtain licence endorsements. Investigators claim the alleged fraud caused losses worth lakhs of rupees to the government exchequer and involved systematic falsification of official records.
According to the Crime Branch, the chargesheet was filed before the Court of the Additional Sessions Judge (Anti-Corruption), Jammu. The case was originally registered in 2009 under the then-applicable laws after authorities received information about large-scale irregularities in the functioning of the RTO, resulting in substantial financial losses to the government.
During the investigation, officials examined RTO records, cash books, official documents, and other evidence. The probe found that although vehicle owners had paid the full one-time token tax, lower amounts were allegedly entered in the cash books. Investigators have alleged that more than ₹12.97 lakh was misappropriated through this manipulation. The agency stated that official records were deliberately altered to facilitate the diversion of government funds.
The investigation also uncovered the alleged use of fake driving institute certificates to obtain mandatory Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence endorsements. According to the chargesheet, forged documents and fabricated attestations were used to enable applicants to secure endorsements without fulfilling the required training and eligibility criteria.
The probe identified the alleged involvement of Kulbhushan Sharma, Managing Director of Shivam Institute of Driving and Maintenance, and Raj Kumar. Investigators allege that the two conspired to prepare fake PSV training certificates that were subsequently used to obtain licence endorsements. The findings are supported by forensic examination conducted by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Jammu, along with seized documents and witness statements collected during the investigation.
Several beneficiaries questioned during the investigation reportedly told officials that they had never attended the mandatory training at the institute, despite certificates being issued in their names. These statements strengthened the agency’s suspicion that training certificates were being issued fraudulently without any actual instruction or assessment.
The Crime Branch further alleged that several institutional records were deliberately destroyed in an attempt to conceal the fraudulent activities and obstruct the investigation. Despite the destruction of certain documents, investigators said sufficient evidence was gathered through available records, witness testimonies, and forensic analysis to support the charges.
With the filing of the chargesheet, the matter will now proceed before the anti-corruption court. The court will examine the evidence and determine the next steps, including whether charges should be formally framed against the accused. If the allegations are proven during trial, the accused could face prosecution for offences related to corruption, forgery, criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of government revenue, and the use of fabricated documents.
The case highlights the importance of financial accountability, transparent record-keeping, and robust document verification mechanisms within government departments. Investigators maintain that even decades-old cases can be successfully pursued when credible documentary, forensic, and testimonial evidence is available, reaffirming the commitment to prosecuting financial irregularities affecting public revenue.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
