A major vehicle transfer scandal has emerged in Punjab after more than 4,000 vehicles were allegedly transferred using fake biometric verification.
The Punjab Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has ordered a formal inquiry against 11 serving officers and officials.
The case involves suspected financial irregularities, procedural violations and forged powers of attorney. The findings emerged from an audit inspection covering two periods in 2024.
The audit examined transactions between January 1 and March 7, followed by March 8 and August 20.
Forged Documents Raise Serious Questions
According to the inquiry order, several Motor Registering Authorities and Excise and Taxation Inspectors allegedly processed hundreds of ownership transfers without referring cases to the Divisional Committee.
This reportedly violated standard operating procedures introduced on March 7, 2024.
Under these rules, certain transfers involving Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) required committee scrutiny before approval.
The audit also identified cases involving allegedly forged powers of attorney. These documents reportedly claimed to have been issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The investigation will examine how officials processed these transfers and whether they bypassed mandatory verification procedures.
Inquiry Officer Given 60 Days
Secretary Excise Masood Mukhtar has appointed Director Muhammad Asif as the inquiry officer under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, 2006.
Excise and Taxation Inspector Ghulam Mohyuddin will assist the investigation as the departmental representative.
The inquiry officer must submit a detailed report with recommendations within 60 days.
The investigation will determine the extent of the alleged irregularities and identify responsibility among the officials involved.
The department’s findings could lead to disciplinary action if the allegations are established.
The case has raised concerns about vehicle ownership verification and safeguards within Punjab’s registration system.
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