ODISHA POLICE CRACKDOWN: RTO OFFICIALS AND AGENTS HELD IN MASSIVE CORRUPTION SCANDAL
Illegal Extortion from Trucks Busted; Senior Officials Involved in the Nexus
Berhampur – In a significant breakthrough, the Odisha Police exposed a widespread corruption network involving senior officials of the Ganjam Regional Transport Office (RTO) and their agents. The operation, carried out by the Golanthara Police, uncovered an organized illegal money-collection racket that targeted heavy transport vehicles (trucks) along National Highway-16.
How the Scam Worked
The operation began after credible intelligence revealed that youth from Girisola village were detaining trucks and extorting money with the promise of safe passage. The extortion racket allegedly assured truck drivers they would face no legal checks or scrutiny by RTO officials, provided they paid hefty sums ranging from ₹700 to ₹2,000 per truck.
The money, collected illegally, was shared among the agents and senior RTO officials, who allegedly used WhatsApp groups to coordinate their operations. Trucks that paid the extortion fees were allowed to pass through unhindered, while others risked being stopped for inspections.
Swift Police Action
Based on the tip-off, the Golanthara Police, led by Inspector-In-Charge (IIC) Bibekananda Swain, raided the extortion site near the Hanuman Temple in Girisola around 9 PM on November 25. Four individuals were caught in the act, but one managed to flee.
Those detained include:
Bharat Kumar Sahu @ Pintu (31), S/o Lt. Chakrapani Sahu, Vill. Girisola.
Rabindra Sahu (36), S/o Late Bairagi Sahu, Vill. Girisola.
B. Vijay Kumar (30), S/o Late B. Purushottam, Vill. Aminsahebpeta, PS Ichhapuram, Dist. Srikakulam.
The fourth suspect, Jeja Rao @ Azam, managed to escape and is currently being tracked by the police.
High-Profile RTO Officials Implicated
Upon interrogation, the detainees revealed the involvement of senior Ganjam RTO officials:
N.K. Chinira, Ex TI, Chatrapur.
K. Venkatesh, Additional RTO, Ganjam.
Ratikanta Nahak, Junior MVI, Ganjam.
These officials allegedly masterminded the operation by appointing “agents” who collected money on their behalf. The collected money was either transferred online to accounts controlled by the officials or handed over in cash.
The officials used WhatsApp groups to coordinate the operation, where truck details were shared to ensure no checks were conducted on paying vehicles.
Illegal Profits from Extortion
Preliminary investigations revealed that each truck paid between ₹700 and ₹2,000, depending on its load. The illegal collections were significant, providing a steady stream of income for the corrupt officials and their agents.
Case Details
The Golanthara Police registered Case No. 507 (Dtd. 25.11.2024) under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, including:
IPC Sections 319(2), 318(4), 61(2), and 3:6(5).
Corruption Act Sections 7, 7A, 8, and 12.
Arrested Individuals:
Bharat Kumar Sahu @ Pintu
Rabindra Sahu
B. Vijay Kumar
K. Venkatesh, Additional RTO, Ganjam.
Ratikanta Nahak, Junior MVI, Ganjam.
Police Statement and Further Action
The Odisha Police, in its press release, stated, “We are committed to eradicating corruption and ensuring public offices maintain transparency. Further investigations are underway to apprehend absconding suspect Jeja Rao @ Azam and uncover additional links in the racket.”
The crackdown has exposed a major misuse of authority in the Ganjam RTO, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms. Authorities have promised stringent action against the accused, setting a precedent against corruption.
Public Reaction
The revelations have sparked outrage among transport operators and citizens alike. Many have applauded the police’s swift action, calling it a necessary step to restore faith in public institutions.
This incident marks a watershed moment in Odisha’s fight against corruption, as senior government officials find themselves in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.