Three Bandlaguda RTO officials suspended after viral video shows money being counted

Three officials of the Bandlaguda Regional Transport Authority, including the RTO, were suspended on Sunday after a video purportedly showing a traffic officer counting currency notes inside the office went viral on social media.

Transport Commissioner K. Ilambarithi issued separate orders suspending Regional Traffic Officer L. Ramchander, Motor Vehicle Inspector D. Bheem Singh and Traffic Constable V. Arun Kumar with immediate effect. A preliminary investigation is underway at the office regarding the alleged unauthorized collection of money.

The action followed media reports and the circulation of a video showing a constable counting banknotes during office hours while applications from members of the public for transport-related services, including student licences, were held before him. A person was also seen sitting near the computer used to conduct the tests.

The ministry said the source and purpose of the cash remained unexplained at this stage. Reports also claimed that the money was collected at the RTO office through brokers or agents.

In Arun Kumar’s case, the suspension order stated that counting notes in the office was not part of his official duties. The ministry said his continued presence in the office could jeopardize the investigation, including access to records, CCTV footage and witnesses.

A case was also initiated against RTO Ramchander, who as head of the office was responsible for its discipline, integrity and functioning. The suspension order prima facie stated that there was no check on unauthorized withdrawals, handling of cash by employees and presence of brokers in the office.

Motor vehicle inspector Bheem Singh, who was in charge of the section and testing area where the incident allegedly took place, was also suspended. The department said he failed to supervise personnel under his control and to prevent the tampering of cash and the presence of unauthorized persons in the testing area.

The orders said that the alleged misconduct, prima facie, amounted to lack of integrity and devotion to duty and misconduct of government servants under the Telangana Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964.

The Ministry of Transport said that strict action will be taken against the presence of agents in its offices and that if the agents are allowed to enter, the respective RTO will be held responsible.

Further disciplinary action will be considered following the preliminary investigation report under the suspension orders.

Published – 21 Sep 2026 23:19 IST