Chittorgarh, October 16 (Udaipur Kiran): The investigation into the tragic Jaisalmer bus fire accident, which claimed 22 lives, has now reached Chittorgarh, as the ill-fated AC sleeper bus was registered at the Chittorgarh Regional Transport Office (RTO). Following this development, the Chittorgarh Sadar Police have intensified the probe and seized crucial documents, including the CCTV DVR from the Transport Department office.
According to officials, a team led by Sadar Station House Officer (SHO) Niranjan Pratap Singh reached the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and held discussions with Regional Transport Officer Nemichand Pareek and District Transport Officer Neeraj Shah. The team later seized key registration documents and the CCTV DVR, which was taken to the Sadar Police Station for further examination.
The move follows allegations that the bus had been registered in violation of transport rules, prompting the Transport Headquarters to suspend acting RTO Surendra Singh Gehlot and an Assistant Administrative Officer earlier this week.
Two Days of Silence at RTO
Since the suspensions and the launch of the probe, the Chittorgarh RTO office has witnessed an unusual quiet. Normal operations have been largely disrupted for the past two days as officials await further directives from headquarters.
104 Buses Fined in Statewide Checks
Meanwhile, acting on instructions from the Transport Headquarters, the Chittorgarh Transport Department conducted a large-scale inspection of private travel buses on Wednesday night and Thursday.
Checkposts were set up at three toll plazas and various key routes, during which 104 buses were fined, collecting a total of ₹1.90 lakh in penalties.
Violations included permit condition breaches and transporting goods in luggage compartments meant for passengers’ baggage.
District Transport Officer Neeraj Shah confirmed that the drive was conducted as per official instructions and said, “The entire department, including the RTO and enforcement staff, was engaged in the inspection campaign.”
Police Confirm DVR Seizure
Sadar SHO Niranjan Pratap Singh stated, “Following directions from senior officers, we have seized the DVR from the Transport Office. A detailed investigation is underway, and a report will be forwarded to higher authorities.”
The seizure of evidence marks a crucial step in uncovering possible administrative lapses that may have contributed to one of Rajasthan’s deadliest road accidents in recent times.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
