Forged bus registrations go unchecked in Kerala; authorities yet to act

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Four buses registered in Thodupuzha using forged documents are still operating on roads, even though they were under production in Bengaluru at the time of registration. The Motor Vehicles Department has not yet checked whether these buses are safe. 

The buses were registered on August 30, 2025, but were completed and rolled out from Kannappa Automobiles in Bengaluru only on September 24. Inspector PG Kishore approved the registration by filing a report stating that the buses had been inspected in Thodupuzha, although they were actually at the Bengaluru factory.

Kishore was suspended in connection with the fabrication of documents but was reinstated just before the election code of conduct came into force.

This is the first confirmed case in the state where rules were violated to obtain relaxations in the bus body code with clear evidence. The lapse raises serious concerns about passenger safety.

As per rules, registrations must be cancelled if irregularities are found, or the vehicles should be re-inspected by other officials. However, neither step has been taken so far.

There are also concerns about the immediate transfer of ownership of these buses after registration through irregular means. Despite having the authority to reject the applications, the RTO did not do so.

Officials have found that 14 buses across the state were registered in a similar manner, but the investigation is still incomplete.