NAGPUR: Sitabuldi Police have registered an FIR against Madhya Pradesh bus depot manager Rafiq Tomar and several travel operators for allegedly running passenger buses without valid permits from a bus stand on Railway Station Road.
The action follows a complaint filed by Virendra Dubey, president of the Bus Transport Welfare Federation. Police have invoked cheating charges and relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. DCP Zone II Annapurna Singh is investigating the matter.
Eight Buses Under Scanner
According to the complaint, operators of eight buses have been booked for allegedly violating transport regulations. The complainant has also alleged that more than 50 other buses may be operating without valid permits.
Some operators allegedly used temporary permits issued for weddings and special events to run regular passenger services. The complaint further alleges that different buses were operating with identical registration numbers and permits.
Such buses have reportedly been spotted in Nagpur, Seoni, Dindori and Jabalpur, prompting calls for a detailed investigation into the alleged irregularities.
DCP Inspects Bus Depot
DCP Annapurna Singh personally visited the MP bus depot and reportedly found several irregularities. The bus operators were also fined, according to the report.
Tomar, originally from Madhya Pradesh, is a retired employee of the Madhya Pradesh Transport Department. Police said he allegedly continues to oversee operations at the bus stand.
The complaint also names Thakurdas Gulani, another retired individual, and a person identified as Bababhai, who are accused of managing bus operations at the premises.
Allegations of Daily Collections
The complaint alleges that the individuals involved collect money daily from buses operating from the depot, irrespective of whether the respective state governments receive the applicable revenue.
Police are investigating the allegations, including the suspected use of invalid permits and duplicate registration numbers. The allegations against the named individuals have not been established in court.
