Maharashtra Govt Orders SIT Probe Into Alleged Luxury Car Registration Tax Evasion; IPS Priyanka Narnaware To Lead Investigation
Maharashtra Govt Orders SIT Probe Into Alleged Luxury Car Registration Tax Evasion; IPS Priyanka Narnaware To Lead Investigation
Mumbai, July 8, 2026: The Maharashtra government has ordered a high-level investigation into alleged tax evasion and irregularities in the registration of luxury vehicles, following claims that several high-end cars purchased in Maharashtra were registered in Union Territories such as Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Puducherry to avoid paying higher road tax.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the probe in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly after Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar raised the issue through a calling attention motion. Fadnavis said the allegations of tax evasion and irregularities within the Regional Transport Office (RTO) system would be investigated thoroughly, and strict action would be taken against those found guilty.
Responding to the discussion, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the government has identified several cases in which vehicle owners, despite residing in Maharashtra and availing vehicle loans from banks in the state, registered their luxury vehicles in other states and Union Territories to reduce tax liability.
He added that the RTO has already initiated action in such cases. To prevent similar instances in the future, authorities will introduce stricter verification of GST records, residential proof, and vehicle loan documents before approving registrations.
The Transport Minister also announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine complaints, video evidence, and other allegations relating to irregularities in the RTO department.
The three-member SIT will be headed by senior IPS officer Priyanka Narnaware and will include Additional Transport Commissioner Ravi Gaikwad and Vigilance Officer Mandar Jawale. The committee has been directed to submit its report within one month.
The Maharashtra government said the probe aims to uncover any organised tax evasion, identify procedural lapses within the RTO system, and recommend measures to ensure greater transparency and stricter enforcement of vehicle registration laws.
