MVD's lust for money takes another life

The flagrant corruption in the motor vehicle department yet again showed its egregious side after an auto driver took his own life after being denied fitness certificate to his vehicle for not paying bribes to an official. The Motor Vehicle Department may come up with excuses to save its face, but it would be utterly foolish if they think people would buy those claims. The department reeks of corruption, and it is an open secret. When the question paper was leaked, the National Examinations Agency had also made similar excuses to validate it. In the end, it took an agitation by Gen Z for reforms to happen in the examination system. Therefore, even though this is an isolated incident, the government should take this very seriously and immediately prepare to punish the culprits and make changes.

A 33-year-old auto driver named Shoukath, a native of Anakallingal, Mundamparamba, Kizhissery, wrote a detailed post on Facebook before his suicide. According to reports, Shoukath had been visiting MVD offices for ten months for a fitness certificate. In the meantime, his bank loan repayments also stalled. He committed suicide after the Motor Vehicle Department turned life into hell for the youngster. The police have registered a case. The minister has also ordered an investigation into the incident. Such measures continue for the sake of it and will do nothing effective to solve the corruption. Moreover, the corrupt within the department are united and would use all mean tricks to avert an investigation. The ill-gotten wealth they have acquired has enabled them to challenge even the administrative leadership.

Shoukath went to the Kondotty Sub-RT office for a fitness test on November 13, 2025. Since agents were excluded, he was sent back, citing minor flaws in the painting. MVD officials do this for opening doors for bribes. Some people accept that way to get things done. But Shoukath was not ready for it. Sadly, it cost him his life. When Shoukath went again after solving the painting problem, he was told to cut the steel wires on the sides of the auto. The officials continued to find fault every time he appeared for fitness, and even then the auto driver was not ready to relent.

The police also say that the same MVD certified that the steelwork in Shoukath auto was not illegal the last two times. Many autos with similar steelwork have been issued fitness certificates. Despite going to the office 11 times to point this out, nothing came of it. Even after applying under the Right to Information Act, there was no response. The majority of autos running in Kerala are purchased on loans. Even a day without a service would adversely affect families and loan repayments. Laws should not be implemented in a way forcing common man to contemplate suicide. People expect radical reform measures from the government to prevent such tragedies from happening again.