VIJAYAWADA: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials carried out surprise checks at the Gudivada Road Transport Authority (RTA) office on Friday and found that 14 agents (mediators) in its licence issuing room and on the office premises were involved in illegal practices.
The officials seized Rs 1 lakh from them and arrested all the mediators with whom the RTA officials had colluded to indulge in corruption.
According to ACB Krishna district superintendent of police SVV Prasada Rao, they received information about the collaboration between the Gudivada transport officials and private persons in collecting illegal gratifications from the people visiting the office during vehicle registration, transfer of ownership, permits, issuing licenses and other works.
“The agents take money from public to get their work done. They collect tips from the hundreds of people who come to the transport office daily, share it among themselves,” said Prasada Rao.
In this regard, ACB officials told the applicants not to approach agents for getting any official work done.
“The errant officials will be punished severely. People should approach officials directly to get their work done. They should also lodge a complaint with the ACB against officials who demand bribe,” Prasada Rao added.