Gold rings, bribes and agent letters: Vigilance unearths MVD corruption across Kerala districts

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: An inspection carried out by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has uncovered major irregularities, including the collection of money from driving schools to give gold rings to retiring Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) officials in several districts of Kerala.

Money was collected from driving school operators in Ernakulam district to buy four gold rings for a retirement ceremony at a sub-RTO office.

The investigation against 112 officials is ongoing. It was found that most officials did not conduct regular inspections at driving schools.

In Malappuram and Kannur districts, schools were also operating without licences. Many vehicles used for driving training and tests lacked fitness, insurance, and pollution certificates. The driving tests were not recorded on camera either.

In a sub-office in Malappuram district, officials rejected 384 applications submitted directly by applicants. Attendance and cash registers were incomplete. Although the entry of intermediaries into Motor Vehicle offices has been restricted, it was not implemented. In Wayanad, the vigilance inspection found an agent's recommendation letter along with an application. Bribes were also accepted into the accounts of relatives via GPay.

The details emerged as VACB released the investigation findings of the inspection conducted on July 19 under the name Operation Wheels.

The inspection revealed findings that corroborated reports in Mathrubhumi regarding dealings with intermediaries. Vigilance also found that decisions on 'faceless' applications, where applicants do not need to appear in person, were being postponed without any action.