₹9 Crore Bus Tax Evasion Case in Jabalpur: EOW Registers FIR Against 16-Bus Operators and Transport Clerk
In a major crackdown on alleged financial irregularities, the ₹9 crore bus tax evasion case in Jabalpur has taken a serious turn after the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) registered an FIR against two bus operators and a transport department clerk. Officials confirmed that the action was initiated late Thursday night following a detailed preliminary inquiry.
The case involves an estimated loss of nearly ₹9 crore to the state exchequer, making it one of the significant tax evasion probes in Madhya Pradesh’s transport sector in recent years.
Complaint from Bhopal Triggered Investigation
According to EOW officials, the investigation began after a formal complaint was received from Bhopal. The complaint alleged that passenger buses with substantial unpaid tax dues were still being granted permits and fitness certificates.
Following verification, investigators discovered that 16 buses registered under Sanjay Keshwani and Sadhna Keshwani were operating across multiple districts, including Dindori, Jabalpur, Shahdol, Mandla, and Balaghat.
These buses reportedly plied on key regional routes such as:
Dindori–Jabalpur
Dindori–Bamhani
Bichhiya–Dindori
Amarkantak–Malajkhand
Officials say tax liabilities on several of these vehicles remained unpaid for nearly two decades.
Tax Allegedly Unpaid Since 2006
Investigators revealed that the bus operators allegedly stopped paying vehicle taxes in 2006. They had reportedly informed the transport office that the buses were sold as scrap.
However, the EOW inquiry found that the buses continued operations despite these declarations. This discrepancy forms the core of the ₹9 crore bus tax evasion case in Jabalpur, raising serious questions about oversight within the transport department.
The FIR has been registered under Sections 318(4), 61(2), and 238(C) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant anti-corruption provisions.
Files Allegedly Went Missing During Recovery Proceedings
In 2017, the District Transport Office in Dindori reportedly initiated recovery proceedings for unpaid taxes. During this process, clerk Pushp Kumar Pradhan, then posted at the Dindori District Transport Office and currently serving in Narsinghpur, allegedly caused critical tax files to go missing.
Due to the disappearance of these official records:
Recovery proceedings stalled
Tax arrears remained uncollected
The government reportedly incurred a loss of ₹9 crore
EOW officials suspect deliberate tampering and destruction of documents.
Allegations of Criminal Conspiracy
Authorities allege a criminal conspiracy between the bus operators and certain transport department officials. The probe suggests:
Some buses may have been dismantled without proper authorization
Official records related to tax dues were not safeguarded
Abuse of official position to confer undue benefit
An EOW official stated that further disclosures are expected as the investigation progresses. Financial audits and scrutiny of transport office procedures are also likely.
Why This Case Matters Now
With growing emphasis on transparency and accountability in public offices, the ₹9 crore bus tax evasion case in Jabalpur highlights systemic loopholes in transport tax monitoring. The case underscores the importance of digitized records, stricter compliance mechanisms, and stronger internal audits within the Madhya Pradesh transport department.
Experts suggest that:
Digitization of transport tax records could prevent file tampering.
Automated alerts for unpaid taxes may reduce revenue leakages.
Periodic third-party audits can strengthen accountability.
As investigations continue, this case may set a precedent for stricter enforcement in similar transport tax matters across the state.
The registration of an FIR by the Economic Offences Wing marks a significant step in the ₹9 crore bus tax evasion case in Jabalpur. With allegations of long-term tax default, missing files, and possible conspiracy, the case is likely to have wider administrative and legal implications.
Authorities have assured that the probe will proceed transparently, and further action may follow based on findings in the coming days.
