Latest news with #RegionalTransportOffice
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Highway Blocked By Luxury Cars For Reels, Chhattisgarh High Court Slams Cops
Bilaspur: In a sharp rebuke, the Chhattisgarh High Court has pulled up the Bilaspur Police for failing to confiscate luxury cars that were illegally parked on National Highway-130 during a late-night photoshoot organised by a group of affluent young men to celebrate the purchase of a new car. Chief Justice Ramesh Kumar Sinha, heading a division bench with Justice BD Guru, expressed serious concern over the police's lenient action and demanded an explanation in the form of an affidavit from the state government. The court questioned why such a blatant violation, which caused traffic chaos on a key highway, only led to minor penal actions. The incident, which took place in the Hirri and Chakarbhatha police station areas, saw luxury cars parked across the Bilaspur-Raipur National Highway while professional cameramen and drones captured the moment all to film Instagram reels showcasing a fleet of high-end vehicles. One of the main accused, Vedansh Sharma, had reportedly bought two new expensive cars and was accompanied by a convoy of black SUVs. According to witnesses, the highway was blocked at night, with vehicles queued up on both sides, but no one dared to intervene as the group posed for the camera. The videos of the shoot, initially uploaded by Vedansh on Instagram, went viral, sparking public outrage, but the account was deleted soon after. The Bilaspur Police initially issued challans under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, and claimed to have written to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) seeking the suspension of the drivers' licenses. However, no immediate seizure of vehicles was carried out, raising serious questions about the police's hesitation in acting against the influential individuals involved. Speaking to NDTV, Bilaspur SSP Rajnesh Singh confirmed that an FIR has now been registered and the process of vehicle seizure is underway. "Blocking a national highway is a criminal offence. All involved will face strict legal consequences," he said. The High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter after the video circulated widely on social media and was brought to the court's attention as a public interest litigation (PIL). The bench has directed the state government to respond to whether sufficient action has been taken and why serious sections were not invoked earlier.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Police warn citizens of fake ‘Traffic challan' apk scam
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) issued a public advisory warning citizens against a new malware scam that is being spread through WhatsApp, primarily in the evenings, using a file named 'RTO Traffic According to officials, cyber fraudsters are actively sending this apk file on WhatsApp groups named to appear legitimate or affiliated with government bodies. The file is presented as a traffic challan alert from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), luring unsuspecting users into downloading it. Once installed, the malicious app can hijack the user's device, gain access to SMS messages including one-time passwords (OTPs), steal credit card and banking details, and even remotely control the phone. Victims typically begin receiving alerts the following morning about unauthorised credit card transactions, often linked to e-commerce platforms. TGCSB warned users never to click on or install APK files from unverified or unofficial sources. 'Golden hour action can save your money,' the advisory reads, urging users to install apps only from trusted sources like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Citizens have also been advised to enable OTP alerts on all transactions and to block their cards immediately if they suspect fraudulent activity. In case of cyber fraud, victims should report the incident without delay by dialling the toll-free number 1930 or visiting
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Pass rate for learner's licence test from home soars to 90%
Ahmedabad: Merely 10 days after the state introduced the home-based online learner's driving licence test, the average pass rate has jumped from 75% to 90%, raising questions about probable cheating methods being employed during the exam process. So far, 4,000 candidates from different cities have taken the test. According to Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials, the pass percentage varied across regions, with urban centres like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat recording over 90% success rates, while rural areas achieved approximately 85%. In the earlier system, where aspirants had to appear for tests at polytechnics, IITs, or RTO-recognised centres under the supervision of RTO officials, the average pass rate was 75%. The new system, implemented from July 7, facilitates driving tests for learners from the comfort of their homes or offices. Applicants with their Aadhaar card linked to the mobile numbers no longer need to visit the RTO or other authorised centres to take the online test. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad A senior officer defended the high pass percentage, attributing it to the profiles of online test-takers. He said that those taking the online test were educated and computer-savvy applicants who even took mock exams before the test. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exciting Offers on vivo X200 FE ViVO X200 FE Book Now Undo "Another reason could be the videos that the applicants have to compulsorily watch before taking the test. This helps them retain the information well," said an official, requesting anonymity. He, however, does not rule out the possibility of cheating. The system also incorporates monitoring measures: candidates are not allowed to move their heads by 90 or 180 degrees. Even slight movements lead to warning prompts during the test. According to the rules, candidates must watch online videos on road safety before appearing for the test. "Those who correctly answer 60% of the questions can print their learner's licence themselves, while those who fail can attempt the test again following the same procedure," the official said. A candidate who took the test provided specific details about how the system is being exploited. "Since all questions and answers are objective, I can take the test using the mouse. My second hand is free. And we have a cheating code," he explained. The cheating method involves a finger-coding system where the candidate's 'assistant' sits at a slight distance, remaining outside the frame of the computer webcam. This person reads the questions and communicates the correct answers through a tactile coding system applied to the candidate's free hand. The finger-based communication works like this: for option A, the 'assistant' presses the candidate's little finger; for option B, the ring finger; for option C, the middle finger; and for option D, the index finger. The corresponding finger is pressed twice to indicate the correct answer. "Besides, since voice is not detected, even if the person spells out the correct answer, the test-taker would not be caught," the candidate revealed, highlighting a loophole in the monitoring system. However, another senior officer said, "Several states have already adopted the online format of the test warranted by the ministry of road transport and highways. Gujarat has only recently begun implementing it. No online test system can be foolproof," he said. Senior transport officials from Gandhinagar were unavailable for comment regarding concerns about cheating and the current monitoring system mechanism.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Toll-free number for MMR for vehicle complaints issued: Maharashtra Minister
Passenger commuting in autorickshaws, taxis, Ola-Uber and similar passenger vehicles in Mumbai can now register their complaints about their services on a toll-free number 1800220110, announced Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik in the state assembly on Thursday. "Passengers can register their complaints about refusal to accept the travel request, rude behaviour with passengers, transporting passengers beyond the limit, driving without displaying badges, charging extra fare. To take action against unruly drivers, a passenger toll-free number 1800-220-110 has been launched for the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region," said Sarnaik. Sarnaik said that the control room has been set up for 24 hours at the Regional Transport Office, Mumbai (West), Andheri. "This is the first time that such a service is being started for the citizens through the Transport Department. The concerned office is informed through email regarding the complaints received by this room. Notices are sent to the vehicle owners found guilty, and action is taken. After hearing them, the guilty vehicles are recorded in the blacklist. No further work related to the vehicles is done until penal action is taken against the vehicles mentioned in the blacklist," he added. The minister said that the action will continue effectively in the future. "Citizens of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region should register a complaint on this toll-free number if they need any help regarding passenger vehicles like autorickshaws, taxis, Ola-Uber, passenger buses," he added. The Transport Minister has also appealed to the citizens to take advantage of this toll-free service and cooperate with the Transport Department for smooth services in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
RTO personnel carry out school vehicle checking drive in rain
1 2 Nagpur: Armed with only an umbrella, several RTO officials on Thursday carried out a special drive against vehicles transporting school children even during the rains. A total of 195 school transport vehicles have come under the scanner of the transport department in last 10 days as part of a special inspection drive aimed at ensuring the safety of schoolchildren. The action, taken by the Regional Transport Office (Nagpur City) and the Sub-Regional Transport Office (Nagpur East), led to the collection of a massive Rs9.78 lakh in penalties from violators found flouting the Motor Vehicles Act. The new school session began on June 23, and since then, the movement of vehicles transporting schoolchildren increased on city roads. The crackdown came in response to multiple complaints received by the transport authorities regarding unsafe travel conditions for children. Many auto-rickshaw drivers and private vehicle owners reportedly transported students in overcrowded and unsafe conditions—some even carrying more passengers than permitted. The inspection drive targeted a range of vehicles being used for school transport. Among the 195 vehicles penalised, the highest number of violations were found among auto-rickshaws, with 82 cases recorded and Rs86,000 in fines collected. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo School buses and vans accounted for 60 cases, attracting a fine of Rs5.5 lakh. Private vehicles were not far behind, with 38 cases and Rs3.4 lakh in penalties, while 15 e-rickshaws were also pulled up and fined a total of Rs2,000. Currently, Nagpur city has 2,191 registered school buses and vans. In addition, hundreds of autos, e-rickshaws, and private vehicles are informally engaged in student transport, often without proper permits or adherence to safety norms. The transport department's action is being seen as a necessary move to curb negligence and enforce accountability. Officials issued a stern warning to all school transport operators to comply strictly with road safety norms. Any further violations will not only attract higher penalties but also suspension of driving licences, the department said. The special drive will continue through the month of July, with transport officials conducting random checks at school premises and key traffic points. The campaign underscores the administration's resolve to prioritise student safety and bring undisciplined transport operations under control.
