Transport Dept cancels RCs of 3,802 vehicles

The Punjab Transport Department has cancelled the registration certificates (RCs) of 3,802 BS-IV vehicles that were registered fraudulently after April 1, 2020, by the regional transport authorities (RTAs) and sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) across the state.

A majority of these vehicles are two-wheelers, besides some being high-end SUVs. The department would write to the police to impound such vehicles, said a senior government functionary. The registration numbers of such vehicles had been shared with the agencies concerned, he added.

Investigations by the department had revealed that vehicle owners, company dealers, besides clerks, assistants, accountants of RTA/SDM offices and some senior officials had manipulated engine and chassis numbers, besides other details while registering these vehicles.

Initially, the department had put the number of such vehicles at 5,706, but after a thorough checking, the figure was revised to 3,802, sources said.

The department has submitted a detailed reply to the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the investigation into fraudulent registration of BS-IV vehicles in violation of the Supreme Court orders. Some vehicles brought from other states were also registered in the state.

The government had recently decided to chargesheet 13 Punjab Civil Service (PCS) officers for their alleged role in registering BS-IV vehicles after the cut-off date, fraudulently. Initially, the name of 24 officials, including three IAS officers, had figured. But later the department narrowed down the list to 13 PCS officers only.

The name of eight department officials, including two seniors, also figured in the case. After three departmental probes were conducted, the names of two senior officials were removed and now action was being taken against six persons, who have already retired.

Sources said as the role of senior IAS/PCS officers and some departmental officials came to light in the case, the investigations were taken back from the Punjab Vigilance Bureau and given to the Transport Department.

To allow registration of vehicles that could not be registered due to the Covid-related lockdown in March 2020, the apex court had allowed the registration of BS-IV vehicles sold before March 31, 2020. But officials allegedly registered many vehicles after the cut-off date in violation of the apex court guidelines.

Dr Kamal Sohi, member of National Road Safety Council, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, said such vehicles continued to ply on the roads despite being blacklisted. “It was a serious violation as such vehicles could be used in crime. These vehicles should be immediately impounded,” he said.