The HSR Layout Police on Saturday (February 28, 2026) registered an FIR against a retired senior motor vehicle inspector for allegedly issuing more than 10,000 fitness certificates without conducting mandatory physical checks, causing a heavy loss to the transport department.
According to a complaint filed on February 28, 2026 by the Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Peenya Layout, Bengaluru, Nisar Ahmed, who served the office as Chief Motor Vehicle Inspector for nearly eight years, retired on January 31, 2026. During his tenure from August 1, 2026, he allegedly issued Form 2025 (A) 3125 (A) fitness certificates for about 10 210 out-of-state vehicles without their physical inspection as required by the Motor Vehicles Act.
The irregularities came to light after a complaint filed by advocate N. Nataraj Sharma, president of the Federation of Karnataka State Union of Private Transporters, to the transport commissioner. Acting on the complaint, the Commissioner directed the Joint Commissioner of Transport to conduct an inquiry and submit a report.
On February 19, 2026, officials conducted a detailed verification and retrieved data relating to 10,210 vehicles from the department’s system. The investigation reportedly found that Form 38(2) certificates were issued to these vehicles in violation of prescribed procedures. It was further found that certificates were also issued to 41 vehicles registered in Gujarat. Based on the preliminary findings and email communication of the concerned authorities, Nisar Ahmed was suspended on January 20, 2026.
On 27 February 2026, the Joint Transport Commissioner submitted a report to the Transport Commissioner recommending prosecution. Subsequently, the commissioner ordered that criminal proceedings be registered. The Joint Commissioner then directed the Regional Transport Officer to lodge a formal complaint against the accused.
The complaint alleges that by issuing certificates of competency without physical verification and in alleged collusion with vehicle owners, the retired inspector committed crimes at the level of criminal breach of trust and fraud, causing undue harm to the Department of Transportation.
A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
Advocate S. Nataraj Sharma on Saturday (February 28, 2026) welcomed the registration of an FIR against officials in connection with the alleged illegal issuance of Fitness Certificates (FC) to nearly 10,000 vehicles, calling it a “first decisive step” by the Transport Ministry to curb corruption.
In a statement to the media, Mr. Sharma said officials of the central RTO in Bengaluru allegedly issued fitness certificates to vehicles from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Kerala without conducting mandatory checks, allegedly in exchange for money.
Published – 1 March 2026 16:25 IST
