STA Files Two Cybercrime Complaints Over Fake E-Challan Messages, Sarathi Data Alteration:

The State Transport Authority (STA) on Thursday filed two complaints with the Cyber Crime Police Station in separate cases involving fake e-challan messages and suspected changes to data on the Sarathi portal.

The complaints were filed following directions from Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena to take strict legal action against fraud that could harm the public.

In the first case, a vehicle owner was cheated after making a payment through a fake website. Following the incident, the STA approached the Cyber Crime Police Station.

Officials said fraudsters were sending fake e-challan messages through WhatsApp and SMS. These messages often mention vehicle numbers and other details to appear genuine. The fraudsters misuse the names of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), mParivahan and eChallan to trick people into clicking on suspicious links and making payments. The money is then transferred fraudulently.

The second complaint concerns a learner’s licence applicant who passed the online test after applying through Aadhaar e-KYC on the Sarathi portal. However, he later found that his name, father’s name and address had been changed in his verified online application. The altered details were also printed on his learner’s licence.

Officials said a technical investigation was underway to find out how the applicant’s personal details were changed. The STA has urged citizens to stay alert and avoid clicking on suspicious links. It advised people to check and pay e-challans only through the official website, echallan.parivahan.gov.in.

The authority also asked citizens not to trust unverified messages or links related to transport services and to check all information only through official government portals.