BANGALORE: In a span of five months, the Transport Department has managed to net around `20 crore in Lifetime Tax (LTT) from 4,584 vehicle owners with out-of-state vehicles.
But the strict enforcement drive employed by the RTO over the past few months has generated criticism and complaints from vehicle owners who are crying foul over the methods employed by officers in ensuring that LTT is paid.
“We are not against paying tax when there is a law enforceable in the state. We have approached the Supreme Court to give us relief from the law. However, every day there is an increasing number of complaints from people saying their personal documents, including their company ID cards, are being seized,” says Waseem Memon, one among the 6,000-strong group fighting against the RTO’s “excesses”.
The group claims that some people were not given a chance to prove their claims of just arriving in Karnataka. In some cases, people who went to the RTO with documents were asked to fight the case in court. Memon says they had approached the Transport Commissioner about a few cases of harassment as well but there has been no response to date.
Transport Commissioner Ramegowda says he has done “everything” to ensure no one is harassed. “I have instructed all my officers. I have even given out my mobile number for owners to contact me,” he says.
Insurance papers are Important
Transport Commissioner Ramegowda said RTO officers were asking for insurance documents to determine if a vehicle has been in Karnataka for more than 30 days. “Even if you buy insurance online, you have to give an address.” He asked people to call him on 98451 99170 to complain.
‘Will Highlight Harassment’
Memon and members of the group opposing such cases of harassment said they would soon reveal instances of harassment of vehicle owners with proof. “We will have a press meet on Friday and bring the people who were harassed. One was even hit by an RTO officer.”