ACB receives complaint from auto rickshaw drivers against suspended RTO Varnekar

Udupi: A complaint has been filed with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) by the Auto rickshaw Drivers’ and Owners’ Association of Manipal against the RTO R M Varnekar, who was recently arrested by the ACB on corruption charges. Mr Varnekar is accused of seeking bribe for repayment of life time vehicle tax.  

Since January 14 2019, stickers are being put on auto rickshaws to differentiate them as Udupi City limit (Zone 1) and Outside City limit (Zone 2). The RTO collects Rs 70 per sticker. In their complaint submitted to the ACB on Mar 22^nd, the association alleges that no receipt has been provided to them after the fee for RTO sticker has been paid to the RTO through an attender.

A notification to convert the permit of all auto rickshaw registered till January 31, 2012 as city limit permit was sent by the then Deputy Commissioner of the district in 2012. In accordance to the notification, nearly 10,000 auto rickshaws come under the Zone 1. Auto rickshaws without the sticker are not provided with Fitness Certificate. Since Rs 70 is collected per sticker per rickshaw, a total amount of Rs 7 lakh would be collected. Hence, the association has urged an inquiry in connection to their complaint.