08 May,2026 07:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
Autos with registration numbers MH47AW0307 and MH47AJ0334 were seized after allegations that permits, approvals were processed despite irregularities linked to ownership and renewal procedures. Pics/By Special Arrangement
The Borivali Regional Transport Office (RTO) has come under scrutiny after allegations surfaced that auto-rickshaw permits and vehicle fitness certificates were renewed in the names of deceased owners, raising serious questions over procedural lapses and an alleged nexus between agents and officials.
The allegations were raised by RTO agent Bhupesh Mishra, who claimed that several vehicle-related processes were completed without the presence, consent, or even knowledge of the registered owners - some of whom had already died.
An e-fee receipt linked to vehicle number MH04HJ5056, registered in the name of Shobha Hulmukh in Thane
Following complaints submitted to the Borivali RTO, one of the vehicles involved was reportedly seized, and an inquiry was initiated into how permits and vehicle passings were processed despite the owners being deceased.
According to Mishra, the issue first came to light while he was handling the sale of an auto-rickshaw bearing registration number MH47AW0307. The vehicle allegedly belonged to Jitendra Saw, who had shifted to Kolkata after defaulting on loan repayments. The bank later repossessed the vehicle and sold it onward.
Mishra claimed he had informed the new buyer that the original owner would need to be physically present in Mumbai for future permit renewal formalities. However, he later allegedly discovered that the permit had already been renewed.
An e-fee receipt linked to vehicle number MH47D4629, registered in the name of Shobha Hulmukh in Borivali
"I immediately called Jitendra Saw and asked whether he had come to Mumbai for the renewal process. He told me that he had not visited Mumbai at all," Mishra alleged. He further claimed that agents operating within the RTO allegedly renewed the permit for Rs 15,000 without the owner's consent or presence.
Mishra alleged that after filing complaints, he was confronted by some agents inside the RTO premises who allegedly abused and pushed him during an argument. He claimed the incident prompted him to independently examine other suspicious cases.
"During my inquiry, I found two more cases where the registered owners had already died. In one case, the permit was renewed, while in another, the vehicle fitness passing was completed," he alleged.
Registration details of vehicle allegedly linked to Shobha Hulmukh, whose name surfaced during probe into permit irregularities at Borivali RTO
Mishra also alleged that he found a case in which a woman was allegedly holding two separate auto-rickshaw permits issued by two different RTO jurisdictions.
Sheetal Mhatre
Former corporator Sheetal Mhatre has submitted a complaint to the RTO Commissioner demanding action against officials and middlemen allegedly involved in the irregularities. Calling it a "systemic failure", Mhatre questioned how permit renewal applications submitted in the names of deceased individuals could be processed without verification.
>> A detailed and time-bound inquiry
>> Strict legal and departmental action against those responsible
>> An audit of all permit-related transactions processed at Borivali RTO over the past three years
>> A public report detailing findings and action taken
"Public offices are meant to safeguard citizen rights, not become corridors where even the deceased are made to âapply' and ârenew'," Mhatre stated.
Case 1: Permit allegedly renewed three years after the owner's death
Vehicle number: MH47AJ0334
Owner: Rakesh Kumar Avadhnarayan Gaud
Reportedly died: March 27, 2023
According to the complaint, the vehicle was repossessed by a finance company after Gaud's death and later acquired by driver Deenanath Yadav through an EMI arrangement.
Yadav claimed he spent nearly R60,000 repairing the vehicle, but the permit had expired. He alleged that an agent later offered to renew it for R15,000 and completed the process despite the registered owner being dead for nearly three years.
The vehicle has since reportedly been seized pending investigation.
"Whatever I earned has now gone into expenses," Yadav said.
Case 2: Vehicle passing allegedly completed after owner's death
Vehicle number: MH47 X4570
Owner: Rakesh Pal
Reportedly died: March 4, 2024
After Pal's death, his wife Shiv Devi Pal allegedly rented out the auto-rickshaw to a driver while planning to legally transfer the permit into her name after clearing pending loan dues.
She alleged that when the vehicle's mandatory passing became due, the driver got the vehicle passed through his own contacts without informing her or completing any legal transfer process.
Shiv Devi, currently staying near Allahabad, said she now wants the permit legally transferred so she can continue earning an income for her children's future.
Case 3: Permit allegedly renewed without owner visiting Mumbai
Vehicle number: MH47AW0307
Owner: Jitendra Saw
This was the case that allegedly first alerted Mishra to the irregularities. According to him, the permit renewal was processed even though the original owner had not travelled to Mumbai or completed the formalities in person.
Case 4: Alleged dual permit issue
Name: Shobha Hulmukh
Vehicles involved:
MH47D4629 - Borivali RTO
MH04HJ5056 - Thane RTO
Mishra alleged that Hulmukh was holding two separate auto-rickshaw permits issued by different RTO jurisdictions, allegedly violating transport regulations. Complaints were reportedly submitted to both the Borivali and Thane RTO offices. According to Mishra, one of the records was later locked on official portal with remark:
"Locked by Thane, due to others - a single person having two permits."
Hulmukh declined to comment.
Assistant Transport Officer Shyam Kasar said the matter is under investigation and appropriate legal action would be taken based on the findings.
>> Permits renewed in the names of deceased owners
>> Vehicle passing allegedly completed after the owner's death
>> Permit renewal allegedly done without the owner's physical presence
>> Alleged involvement of agents operating with officials
>> One individual allegedly holding permits from two RTO jurisdictions
>> Two vehicles reportedly seized
>> Complaints filed with RTO
>> Inquiry underway
>> One vehicle record allegedly locked by Thane RTO
Borivali RTO
Thane RTO
Finance banks linked to repossessed vehicles
