Bengaluru inspector suspended for issuing fitness certificates to Gujarat vehicles without physical inspection – In a striking case of “remote clearance,” a senior vehicle inspector attached to Bengaluru Central RTO has been suspended after it was discovered that he issued fitness certificates (FCs) to 41 vehicles that were never present in the city. The official, identified as Nissar Ahmed, allegedly renewed FCs for 30 vehicles on a single day (9 September 2025) while all those vehicles were plying on roads in Gujarat, some 1,500 km away.
Background and Context
The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 mandates that a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) must conduct a thorough physical inspection before issuing an FC. The inspection covers brakes, lights, steering, emissions and other safety parameters. Under the Vahan 4.0 portal, entries for FC renewals are logged in real time, and any discrepancy can be flagged by state transport departments.
In this case, toll plaza data from Gujarat revealed that the vehicles crossed tolls on the very day their FCs were issued in Bengaluru. This temporal mismatch indicated that the vehicles could not have been physically present at the Bengaluru RTO for inspection. The Gujarat transport department promptly alerted Karnataka authorities, triggering an inquiry.
“We are taking this matter very seriously,” said the Joint Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban. “The inspector’s actions contravene the statutory requirement for a physical inspection and jeopardise road safety.” The incident has highlighted a loophole that can be exploited for remote clearance of FCs, a practice that has come under scrutiny nationwide.
Key Developments
Following the Gujarat alert, the Karnataka Transport Department conducted a comprehensive audit of the Bengaluru Central RTO’s FC records. The audit confirmed that:
- 41 FCs were issued to vehicles registered in Gujarat.
- 30 of those FCs were renewed on 9 September 2025.
- All vehicles were documented as having crossed toll plazas in Gujarat on the same day.
- There was no evidence of a physical inspection or photographic proof in the Vahan portal.
As a result, Inspector Nissar Ahmed was suspended pending further investigation. The Transport Minister, R Ramalinga Reddy, stated, “The central government has framed rules that allow any state to issue FCs for vehicles registered in other states, but this must be done after a proper inspection. Mr. Ahmed’s actions are a clear violation of the law.”
In response, the Transport Department issued fresh guidelines for RTOs on Wednesday:
- FCs must be issued only at designated inspection locations.
- Inspectors must take photographs of the vehicle, clearly showing the number plate, and record date, time, and location.
- These details must be uploaded to the Vahan portal.
- Regional transport officers must physically inspect at least 20 % of vehicles presented for FC checks.
- FCs for vehicles registered in other states require verification by the regional transport officer or office head.
- A mobile application with geo‑fencing will be used to ensure compliance and prevent misuse.
Additionally, the department announced a random audit of all FCs issued in the past six months to identify any large‑scale violations.
Impact Analysis
For students and commuters who rely on inter‑state transport, this incident raises serious safety concerns. Unfit vehicles can lead to accidents, and the lack of proper inspection undermines trust in the transport system. The incident also highlights the potential for fraud in the FC issuance process, which could affect insurance claims, legal liabilities, and road safety statistics.
Students studying in Gujarat but residing in Bengaluru, or vice versa, may find themselves inadvertently using vehicles that have not undergone a proper fitness check. This could expose them to legal penalties if the vehicle is involved in an incident. Moreover, the incident may prompt stricter scrutiny of inter‑state vehicle registrations, potentially delaying travel plans for students and professionals.
Expert Insights and Practical Guidance
Transport policy analyst Dr. Meera Patel advises, “Always verify the FC status on the official Vahan portal before using a vehicle. Look for the inspection photograph and the timestamp. If any of these details are missing, report it to the local RTO.”
For students and commuters, here are actionable steps:
- Check the FC status on Vahan before traveling.
- Request a copy of the inspection photograph from the RTO.
- Report any discrepancies to the Transport Department’s helpline (1800‑11‑2222).
- Keep a digital copy of the FC and inspection details for future reference.
- If you are a student traveling for exams or internships, consider using registered transport services that comply with the new guidelines.
Legal experts note that the suspension of Inspector Ahmed sets a precedent. “This case underscores the importance of adhering to the statutory inspection process,” says lawyer Arjun Desai. “Failure to do so can lead to administrative penalties, suspension, and even criminal charges under the Motor Vehicles Act.”
Looking Ahead
The Transport Department’s new guidelines signal a shift towards greater transparency and accountability in FC issuance. The introduction of geo‑fencing and mandatory photographic evidence aims to close the loophole that allowed remote clearance. However, enforcement will be key. The department’s plan to conduct random audits and require 20 % physical inspections suggests a move towards a hybrid model of digital and on‑site verification.
For students and the general public, the takeaway is clear: always verify the fitness status of a vehicle before use, and be vigilant about the authenticity of FCs. The government’s crackdown on remote clearance practices is expected to reduce the incidence of unfit vehicles on the roads, thereby enhancing overall road safety.
As the transport ecosystem evolves, stakeholders—students, commuters, transport operators, and RTO officials—must adapt to the new compliance framework. Continuous monitoring, public awareness, and strict enforcement will be essential to ensure that the integrity of the FC system is maintained.
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