Kaimur (Bihar): A major financial irregularity has surfaced at the District Transport Office (DTO) in Bihar’s Kaimur district, where government funds collected through e-challans were allegedly not deposited into the state treasury. According to an audit report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), irregularities involving ₹15.96 crore were detected in e-challan collections made between May 2019 and December 2023. The report alleges that the amount was not credited to the government account, prompting notices to be issued to 11 officials and employees, including former District Transport Officers (DTOs), Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs), Enforcement Sub-Inspectors (ESIs), and office staff. The Transport Department has launched a departmental inquiry and initiated disciplinary proceedings.
The CAG audit report states that the Kaimur DTO office collected ₹26.91 crore through e-challans during the audit period. However, official records show that only ₹10.96 crore was deposited into the government treasury, leaving ₹15.96 crore unaccounted for. Based on this discrepancy, the audit team described the matter as a serious financial irregularity and recommended fixing accountability on the officials concerned.
The largest allegation has been made against the then office clerk-cum-nazir, who is accused of the alleged misappropriation of more than ₹11.68 crore. Enforcement Sub-Inspectors Harishankar and Vinod have been accused of irregularities involving over ₹2.63 crore, while Manoj and Suman Sinha allegedly account for ₹72.90 lakh. Motor Vehicle Inspectors Santosh and Shailendra Kumar are accused of irregularities worth ₹35.68 lakh, Ranjit Kumar of ₹32.50 lakh, and Hareram Kumar of ₹13.95 lakh.
The audit report also names former District Transport Officer Amresh Kumar, alleging irregularities involving ₹4.73 lakh, while former DTO Karishma has been linked to ₹1.34 lakh. In addition, Enforcement Sub-Inspectors Basant Kumar, Jai Prakash Kumar, and Hemant Kumar have been accused of failing to deposit government funds amounting to ₹79,500, ₹62,500, and ₹57,500, respectively. The audit has recommended a detailed investigation into the role of all officials named in the report.
During the audit, the CAG team found that e-challan payments were collected from motorists through hand-held devices, but in several instances the money was allegedly not deposited into the designated bank accounts or government treasury. A comparison of collection records with treasury deposits reportedly revealed a substantial gap, leading auditors to initiate a detailed examination of financial records and supporting documents.
Following the audit findings, the then District Transport Officer Raviranjan Kumar issued notices to all the officials and employees named in the report, seeking their explanations on the directions of senior audit authorities. According to departmental records, none of the accused officials appeared before the department or submitted their responses within the stipulated period, after which the matter was forwarded for further departmental action.
The current District Transport Officer Lalit Ranjan said that a fresh and comprehensive inquiry has been initiated after he assumed charge. Explanations have been sought from the concerned officials and the then nazir, while financial documents, bank records, and e-challan collection data are being re-examined. He stated that disciplinary proceedings have already begun and that strict administrative and legal action will be taken if the inquiry establishes any misappropriation or misuse of government funds. The investigation remains underway, and further action will be based on the findings of the audit report and the evidence collected during the inquiry.
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.
