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Crackdown on Bangladeshi, Rohingya auto drivers in Mira Road
Following a March complaint by Mira-Bhayandar MLA Narendra Mehta, the transport department launched a probe into Rohingya and Bangladeshi auto-rickshaw drivers in Mira Road with permits. Officials are verifying documents of about 30 individuals and may file FIRs; the department also plans to move licensing tests offline amid online-system glitches.
Why It Matters
The action highlights scrutiny over permit issuance and driver licensing, with potential implications for public safety and regulatory oversight in Mumbai's transport sector.
Timeline
4 Events
April 28, 2026: In-person testing may cause crowding and concerns about middlemen
April 28, 2026
Officials noted that requiring in-person test attendance may lead to crowding at RTO offices and could revive middleman activity, though it is intended to improve verification of applicants' identities.
April 28, 2026: Move to offline driver licensing tests
April 28, 2026
The transport department is working on conducting driver's licence tests offline due to glitches in the online system, aiming to prevent mismatches between applicants and their identities.
April 28, 2026: Transport dept launches probe into permits and verification begins
April 28, 2026
Transport department announced a probe into Rohingya Bangladeshis operating permit-holding auto-rickshaws in Mira Road. Officials are coordinating with police, tehsildars, and collector’s offices to verify documents of around 30 individuals; FIRs will be registered after verification. The department also plans to make physical driving-licence examinations mandatory at RTO offices, as current checks are conducted online.
March 2026: Complaint by MLA Narendra Mehta prompts probe
March 2026
Mira-Bhayandar MLA Narendra Mehta filed a complaint in March alleging irregularities in permits for auto-rickshaw drivers, including Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals, triggering a government review.