Even though officials at Subhash Bridge RTO say that agents have been removed after a recent crackdown.
Disguised as someone looking to get a permanent driving licence without taking the required test, the reporter was approached just minutes after reaching the RTO office. A man, around 50 to 60 years old, confidently said he could get the licence for ₹12,000—no questions asked.
RTO agents are still going strong!
“You pay Rs 12,000 and we will handle the rest. Just come to the RTO, that’s it. No test, nothing,” he assured, speaking with the easy confidence of someone who’s done it before. The interaction, captured discreetly on a hidden camera, may have been a bluff, but the agent didn’t flinch. He even offered a premium brand of liquor on the spot, promising another bottle if the deal went through.
He boasted of arranging licences for “sons and daughters of bigwigs and top officials”, clearly implying that the racket continues to flourish, in connivance with RTO insiders. When this reporter tried to haggle over the cost, the agent responded curtly: “It’s a one-time thing. After that, you only need renewals. I get just Rs 2,500, the rest goes to higher ups.”
But the mood changed abruptly. Growing suspicious, the agent suddenly asked, “You’re not recording this, are you? Many reporters have tried to trap us, but we can sniff them out.”
When the reporter backed out and began to walk away, the agent and two accomplices gave chase on a scooter, intercepted him and issued a stern warning: “Don’t you ever show your face here again.” They threatened dire consequences if any footage were published.
‘We have booked some agents’: RTO official
When contacted, Regional Transport Officer Nirav Bakshi admitted that a few agents were recently caught. “The ACB arrested two to three touts and filed FIRs against them. Since then, their presence outside the RTO has reduced a lot,” he said.
“It’s a one-time deal. After that, you just need renewals. I only get ₹2,500 — the remaining ₹9,500 goes to higher-ups in the RTO,” claimed the agent.