Guwahati: The Kutumb Suraksha Parishad (KSP) has accused the Assam Transport Department of widespread corruption and alleged irregularities involving goods vehicle registration, gross vehicle weight (GVW) modifications and the installation of speed-limiting devices.
Addressing a press conference at the Dispur Press Club, KSP central president Satya Ranjan Bora alleged that complaints submitted to the government and the department had failed to address the alleged malpractice. He said the organisation was preparing to approach the High Court with supporting documents.
The Parishad referred to a departmental letter dated October 13, bearing reference number DTK/RL/Misc/24/2002/10950, concerning the correction of GVW in goods vehicles. It alleged that unauthorised increases in permissible vehicle weight limits had facilitated illegal collections and demanded an account of the money allegedly collected.
The organisation further claimed that intermediaries were being used to collect money from goods vehicles transporting soil, sand, stone, cement, bitumen and timber. It also alleged that vehicle weight records were manipulated during the registration process.
Raising concerns over the transportation of forest produce and other materials, the KSP alleged that some vehicles carried quantities of soil, sand and stone exceeding those mentioned in transit challans. It called for an investigation into the alleged discrepancies and accountability from the departments concerned.
The Parishad also questioned the installation of speed-limiting devices (SLDs), alleging that substandard equipment had been fitted and government funds misappropriated. Bora claimed that complaints had been submitted to the Transport Commissioner but had not resulted in a lasting resolution.
The organisation also raised questions about the alleged involvement of Sujal Bardoloi in the installation of Vehicle Location and Tracking Devices (VLTD). These devices are intended to track vehicles in real time and support road safety measures, including efforts to reduce accidents.
Bora accused the authorities of failing to take adequate action on complaints against officials and called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged irregularities.
The KSP president also alleged that Kamrup Metropolitan District Transport Officer Himangshu Das had behaved inappropriately towards vehicle drivers and employees.
The allegations have not been independently verified. The officials named in the allegations were not quoted responding to them in the statement.
KSP vice-president Balen Das, general secretary Sailen Kumar Deka, joint secretary Suman Turike and other office-bearers attended the press conference.
The organisation said it would continue its “Satya Anwesan” campaign to bring alleged irregularities in government and private institutions to public attention.