A ₹120 crore toll tax scam spanning 12 states was uncovered by STF in Uttar Pradesh. Learn how fake software was used to siphon funds from toll plazas.
Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh: The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh has uncovered a massive ₹120 crore toll tax fraud that spans 12 states. Acting on a tip-off, STF officials raided the Atarailla Toll Plaza in Mirzapur and arrested four individuals, including the toll manager. Items seized during the operation included five mobile phones, two laptops, a printer, and ₹19,000 in cash.
According to preliminary investigations, the scam involved approximately 200 toll plazas, including 42 in Uttar Pradesh alone. The STF found that the Atarailla Toll Plaza had been defrauding between ₹40,000 and ₹50,000 daily for the past two years. This fraud amounted to ₹3.28 crore at this location alone.
The ringleader of this scam, identified as Alok, is a software engineer with an MCA degree. Alok had previously worked for toll plaza contractors and gained in-depth knowledge of the National Highway Authority of India’s (NHAI) software systems. Using his expertise, he developed a fake software program to manipulate toll collection data.
Fake Software Installation:
Alok created a software program that mimicked NHAI’s official toll collection system. This software was secretly installed on toll plaza computers.
Exploiting Non-FASTag Vehicles:
Vehicles without FASTags or those with insufficient FASTag balance were charged inflated toll fees. Instead of depositing the full amount, only 5% of the toll was routed to NHAI’s account, masking the fraud.
Forged Receipts:
Receipts issued by the fake software were indistinguishable from official NHAI receipts, ensuring the scam went unnoticed for two years.
Collusion Among Employees:
The scam involved not only Alok but also toll plaza employees and IT personnel. The stolen funds were divided among the conspirators.
The fraudulent software was installed in toll plazas across 12 states, including:
The STF continues to investigate the scam, which has caused significant financial losses to the government. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the arrested individuals, while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other conspirators.
This incident has raised serious questions about the security and transparency of toll collection systems in India. Experts suggest implementing:
The STF’s breakthrough in uncovering this large-scale scam highlights the need for vigilance and stricter controls to prevent such fraudulent practices. Authorities have assured the public of swift action against all involved in this unprecedented toll tax fraud.
This revelation has sparked nationwide discussions on the vulnerabilities of toll tax systems. Citizens and authorities alike are calling for stringent reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in toll collections.
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