The West Bengal administration has taken decisive disciplinary action against corruption within its transport department. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the immediate suspension of two motor vehicle inspectors stationed at the Rampur checkpost in Paschim Bardhaman. This swift executive measure follows allegations that the officers harassed a commercial vehicle crew and attempted to extort money. The transport department acted immediately upon receiving reports of the illegal seizure of the vehicle, after which the Chief Minister declared that coercion and administrative misconduct would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He utilized social media platform X to detail the state's prompt action and explain the specifics of the suspension order.
Unlawful Demand of ₹22,000 Under the Guise of Abolished Tax
The controversy centers around a transport truck bearing registration number JH09BA3535. The commercial vehicle was heading back to its garage after undergoing routine servicing. Upon arriving at the Rampur checkpost in Paschim Bardhaman, the vehicle was halted by the checkpost officers without any valid reason. The driver, identified as Shiva Yadav, was subjected to unlawful harassment and persistent pressure to pay a bribe. When the driver refused to comply with these illicit demands, the inspectors confiscated the truck. They then demanded an illegal payment of ₹22,000, masking it as a state tax. Remarkably, this particular tax had already been officially abolished by the state government, making the demand entirely unlawful and an outright abuse of power.
Immediate Suspension Under West Bengal Services Rules
Following formal complaints regarding this high-handedness and harassment of commercial drivers, the transport department intervened rapidly. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed that the two accused motor vehicle inspectors, Nazimul Haque and Anupam Banerjee, have been suspended from their duties. This suspension was executed under Rule 7(1)(a) of the West Bengal Services Rules, 1971, taking effect immediately. This swift disciplinary response serves as a direct message that the abuse of official power for personal financial gain will lead to swift consequences.
Anti-Corruption Bureau to Launch Criminal Investigation
To ensure a thorough probe into the extortion allegations, the state has escalated the matter beyond simple department-level disciplinary actions. The case has been formally referred to the Anti-Corruption Bureau. This specialized agency is tasked with executing a comprehensive and rigorous criminal investigation into the actions of Nazimul Haque and Anupam Banerjee at the checkpost. The Bureau will pursue appropriate legal remedies and criminal prosecution against the suspended officers to set a precedent against administrative malpractice.
Broader Warning Against Administrative Corruption
Emphasizing the government's stance on administrative integrity, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari heavily emphasized the concept of zero tolerance towards any form of public office misconduct. He reiterated that no individual, regardless of their position within the department or administration, is above the law. The administration is fully determined to cleanse the system of corrupt elements to protect ordinary citizens and businesses. The Chief Minister issued a blanket warning to all state departments, advising them that any government employee found soliciting bribes or harassing transport operators will face severe disciplinary actions and criminal prosecution. He concluded by ordering the immediate release of all unlawfully detained vehicles and demanding a transparent, fair, and clean administration across West Bengal.
