Bureaucracy
DM Lucknow Cracks Down on Touts and Brokers at RTO Complex
Lucknow: Acting on persistent complaints of touts exploiting citizens and causing unnecessary hurdles, Lucknow District Magistrate (DM) Vishak G conducted a surprise inspection at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) complex on Friday, leading to the sealing of an illegal service centre hub and the apprehension of eight suspected touts.
Illegal Online Service Centres Sealed
The inspection targeted a commercial complex outside the RTO, where several unauthorized online service centres were found operating without Jan Seva Kendra registration. As a result, the entire complex was sealed, and a police complaint was lodged against one individual engaged in unauthorized RTO work. The surprise raid, which began at 12:45 PM, sent shockwaves through the RTO campus, where four suspected touts were caught loitering without any legitimate purpose. Police officers questioned individuals at the entrance and exit, revealing dubious activities.
DM’s Directives: Tightened Surveillance and Awareness
DM Vishak G emphasized that 53 RTO-related services, including learner’s licenses, can be obtained online, and people should be aware to avoid falling prey to middlemen.
ALSO READ: Honoring Women in Cyberspace 2025: Future Crime Research Foundation Celebrates Women Pioneers in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
During the inspection, authorities found that several shop owners in the commercial complex fled and pulled down their shutters when questioned. The e-district manager confirmed that none of the centres had the required Jan Suvidha Kendra registration, raising data security concerns. The district administration, fire department, and Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) will now further investigate the illegal operations.
CCTV Monitoring and Police Action
The DM directed that one week’s CCTV footage from the photograph counter for driving licenses be handed over to the police for regular monitoring of tout activities. Law enforcement has been instructed to screen CCTV footage regularly and prevent further exploitation.
Previous Action Against Touts
This is not the first time the administration has taken action against unauthorized activities at the RTO. On January 7, a similar inspection was carried out, and instructions were issued to RTO staff to remove touts and improve service efficiency.
Authorities have now vowed to continue strict monitoring to ensure that RTO services remain accessible without middlemen, safeguarding citizens from financial exploitation.