A joint operation by the Chief Minister's Flying Squad and the Road Transport Authority (RTA) in Panipat has uncovered a sophisticated network that allegedly provided real-time location updates of enforcement teams to transporters through WhatsApp groups. This allowed overloaded and illegal vehicles to avoid inspections and continue operations without penalty.
How the Racket Operated
According to officials, the accused tracked the minute-by-minute movements of RTA teams and shared these details via WhatsApp messages and voice notes. Transporters, drivers, and others involved in illegal vehicle operations were part of the group, enabling them to evade enforcement actions. The leakage not only helped overloaded vehicles avoid checks but also caused significant revenue loss to the state exchequer.
Complaint and Investigation
Surender Singh, an RTA official, filed a complaint alleging that a youth was following RTA officials during inspection drives and sharing their location. Preliminary investigation identified Ansh alias Harsh, a resident of Garhi Besak village, as the operator of the WhatsApp group. The Samalkha police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and initiated an investigation.
Sub-Inspector Deepak Kumar, SHO Samalkha, confirmed that Ansh has been arrested and released on bail. His mobile phone has been seized and sent for forensic examination to analyze WhatsApp group activity and uncover the wider network of transporters and drivers involved.
Joint Checking Operation
Neeraj Jindal, Secretary of RTA, stated that a joint checking operation was conducted with the CM Flying Squad in Panipat on Thursday. During the drive, a person was caught allegedly following RTA vehicles and sharing their live location as the team moved out of the office. The accused was handed over to Samalkha police, and further investigation is underway.
Officials emphasized that such leaks undermine enforcement efforts and cause substantial revenue losses. The forensic examination of the seized mobile phone is expected to reveal the full extent of the network and help prevent future incidents.
