Middlemen make a RUN

Mysuru: In an early morning operation, Lokayukta sleuths conducted simultaneous raids at the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Chamarajapuram (West — KA-09) and Rajivnagar (East — KA-55) this morning.

A total of 30 Lokayukta personnel, divided into six teams, took part in the operation. Three teams, each comprising five members, raided the RTO West office in Chamarajapuram, while the other three teams conducted searches at the RTO East office in Rajivnagar.

On entering the premises, the sleuths closed the main gates and questioned the middlemen present there. While some were caught inside the offices, a few others, who apparently got wind of the raids, fled with their belongings.

Meanwhile, the RTO counters continued to function as usual, with members of the public standing in queues to make payments and obtain services relating to Learner’s Licences, Driving Licences and Fitness Certificates, among others.

The Lokayukta personnel were seen questioning visitors at the entrances about the purpose of their visit before allowing them inside the offices. The sleuths also questioned RTO officials as part of the operation. However, details of today’s raids are yet to emerge. The raids were still ongoing when we went to the Press.