Lucknow: Transport commissioner Ashutosh Niranjan on Wednesday suspended Ranveer Singh Chauhan, passenger tax officer (PTO) of Prayagraj, with immediate effect and ordered disciplinary proceedings against him. During the suspension, Chauhan has been attached to the transport commissioner’s headquarters office.The action followed a report from the deputy transport commissioner (zone), Kanpur, regarding an incident involving the Prayagraj enforcement team’s vehicle. A private individual was allegedly seen counting currency notes inside the enforcement vehicle, registered as UP32-FN-3603, which is assigned to the Prayagraj PTO.Calling the episode objectionable, the transport commissioner said the presence of a private person counting cash in the official vehicle, while the PTO and enforcement staff were not present, was unacceptable. Chauhan has been held prima facie responsible for the incident.A case has been registered against the private individual under relevant legal provisions, officials said. The commissioner also alleged that illegal extortion was being conducted during enforcement operations through the private individual, indicating a lack of control by Chauhan over his staff. He said the incident had damaged the department’s image.Chauhan will receive subsistence allowance as per rules during the suspension period. VK Singh, deputy transport commissioner (City Transport), Uttar Pradesh, has been appointed as the inquiry officer for the departmental proceedings.
