Agent stalks, threatens woman RTO inspector

Surat: A 35-year-old Regional Transport Office (RTO) inspector filed a complaint with police alleging that she was being stalked and threatened by an RTO agent, who claimed to have links with the anti-corruption bureau (ACB). The accused reportedly threatened the officer after she refused to process his file, claiming that ACB inspector K J Dhaduk was monitoring her and even checking which car she used. Adajan police later arrested the accused agent, Jagdish Patel.The victim, Komal Makwana, an assistant motor vehicle inspector posted at the Surat RTO for three years, said the harassment began when the Patel, who operating from outside RTO premises, repeatedly demanded that she clear files related to his driving school work. Over the past two and a half months, Patel allegedly sent threatening messages through a garage owner, Kalpesh Kesur, and confronted Makwana at her duty location.On Feb 23, Patel allegedly sent a message to Kesur asking him to tell Makwana to call him on WhatsApp the next morning. He also asked Kesur to tell her that Dhaduk was inquiring about her.Two days later, when Makwana called Patel, he allegedly told her that Dhaduk was conducting an inquiry and had asked which car she was using.Fed up with the alleged stalking and threats, Makwana approached Adajan police. Police booked Patel under Sections 78(1), 221, and 351(2) for stalking, obstructing a govt officer from their duty, and criminal intimidation.Who let Patel into the RTO?The FIR filed by Makwana raises questions about the security at the RTO and agents' access. Although agents are banned from the RTO and security is strict, Patel was reportedly able to meet Makwana sevaral times. The investigation found that he moved freely across the RTO campus, visiting various offices and counters. While ordinary visitors are subjected to strict security checks, Patel's movements went largely unchecked, officials said.