Retired motor vehicle inspector booked for issuing over 10,000 fitness certificates without inspection in Bengaluru

The HSR Layout Police on Saturday (February 28, 2026) registered an FIR against a retired Senior Motor Vehicle Inspector for allegedly issuing over 10,000 fitness certificates without conducting mandatory physical inspections, causing substantial loss to the Transport Department.

According to the complaint filed on February 28, 2026, by the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) of Peenya Layout in Bengaluru, Nisar Ahmed, who served as a Senior Motor Vehicle Inspector in the office for nearly eight years, retired on January 31, 2026. During his tenure from August 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, he allegedly issued Form 38(A) fitness certificates for approximately 10,210 out-of-State vehicles without physically inspecting them, as mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act.

The irregularities came to light following a complaint submitted by advocate N. Nataraj Sharma, Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association president, to the Transport Commissioner. Acting on the complaint, the Commissioner directed the Joint Transport Commissioner to conduct an inquiry and submit a report.

On February 19, 2026, officials conducted a detailed verification and retrieved data relating to 10,210 vehicles from the department’s system. The inquiry reportedly found that Form 38(2) certificates had been issued to these vehicles in violation of prescribed procedures. Additionally, it was found that certificates had also been issued to 41 vehicles registered in Gujarat. Based on preliminary findings and email communication from the authorities concerned, Nisar Ahmed was placed under suspension on January 20, 2026.

The Joint Transport Commissioner submitted a report to the Transport Commissioner on February 27, 2026, recommending criminal action. Subsequently, the Commissioner directed that a criminal case be registered. The Joint Commissioner then instructed the Regional Transport Officer to file a formal complaint against the accused.

The complaint alleges that by issuing fitness certificates without physical verification and in alleged collusion with vehicle owners, the retired inspector committed offences amounting to criminal breach of trust and cheating, causing wrongful loss to the Transport Department.

A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.

Welcoming the registration of an FIR against officials in connection with the alleged illegal issuance of fitness certificates (FC) to nearly 10,000 vehicles, advocate S. Nataraj Sharma on Saturday (February 28, 2026) termed it the “first decisive step” by the State Transport Department to curb corruption.

In a statement to the media, Mr Sharma said that officials at the Bengaluru Central RTO had allegedly issued fitness certificates to vehicles from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala without conducting the mandatory inspections, allegedly in exchange for money.