The Punjab Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has ordered an investigation against 11 serving officers and officials over the alleged transfer of more than 4,000 vehicles through fake biometric verification.

According to a report published by The News, the case involves suspected financial irregularities, procedural violations and the alleged use of forged powers of attorney during vehicle ownership transfers.

The allegations surfaced following an audit inspection covering two periods in 2024. The inquiry will examine how thousands of vehicle transfers were processed and whether departmental officials violated established procedures.

Inquiry Ordered Against 11 Excise Officials

Secretary Excise Masood Mukhtar has ordered a formal inquiry into the alleged irregularities.

According to the inquiry order, Director Muhammad Asif (BS-19) will lead the investigation under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, 2006.

Excise and Taxation Inspector Ghulam Mohyuddin of Region-C, Lahore, has been appointed as the departmental representative. He will assist the inquiry officer by providing relevant official records and documents.

The inquiry officer has been directed to complete the proceedings and submit a detailed report, along with recommendations, within 60 days.

Audit Identifies Thousands of Suspicious Transfers

The case emerged from an audit inspection covering two separate periods:

• January 1 to March 7, 2024.
• March 8 to August 20, 2024.

The audit reportedly identified more than 4,000 vehicle ownership transfers that were allegedly processed using fake biometric verification.

Investigators will examine whether the transfers were completed without the required scrutiny and approval from the relevant departmental authorities.

The inquiry will also look into suspected financial irregularities and procedural violations involving Motor Registering Authorities and Excise and Taxation Inspectors.

Transfers Allegedly Processed Without Committee Approval

One of the major allegations concerns vehicle ownership transfers processed without referring the cases to the Divisional Committee.

According to the inquiry order, several Motor Registering Authorities and Excise and Taxation Inspectors allegedly handled hundreds of transfers without following the standard operating procedures issued on March 7, 2024.

These procedures required certain categories of ownership transfers, including cases involving Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and designated transfers, to undergo scrutiny and approval by the Divisional Committee.

The committee-based process was intended to ensure that such transactions were properly examined before ownership records were changed.

Investigators will determine whether officials bypassed these requirements and whether the alleged violations resulted in unauthorised vehicle transfers.

Allegations Involve Forged Powers of Attorney

The audit also identified cases in which vehicle transfers were allegedly processed using forged powers of attorney.

These documents were reportedly presented as having been issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A power of attorney allows an authorised person to complete certain legal or administrative transactions on behalf of another individual. In vehicle ownership matters, such documentation may be used when the registered owner cannot personally appear to complete the transfer.

However, the alleged use of forged documents raises concerns about the verification process followed by the relevant excise offices.

The inquiry will examine the authenticity of the documents, the officials involved in processing the transactions and whether mandatory verification procedures were followed.

Investigation to Determine Responsibility

The departmental investigation will focus on the conduct of the 11 serving officers and officials named in the inquiry.

The inquiry officer will review official records, examine the disputed vehicle transfers and assess whether the concerned employees violated departmental rules or established procedures.

The investigation will also consider the role of the relevant Motor Registering Authorities and Excise and Taxation Inspectors in processing the transactions.

If the allegations are established, the department may recommend action under the applicable disciplinary framework.

However, the allegations have not yet been proven, and the inquiry is expected to establish the facts before any final decision is taken.

Punjab Excise Faces Questions Over Verification System

The reported case has raised questions about the effectiveness of biometric verification and document authentication in Punjab’s vehicle registration and ownership transfer system.

Biometric verification is intended to strengthen identity checks and reduce the possibility of fraudulent transactions. Similarly, committee scrutiny and supporting legal documents are meant to ensure that ownership changes are processed through authorised channels.

The alleged transfer of thousands of vehicles through fake biometric verification highlights the importance of enforcing these safeguards.

The inquiry is expected to determine how the suspected irregularities occurred, whether existing procedures were ignored and who should be held responsible.

The department has set a 60-day deadline for the inquiry officer to submit a detailed report and recommendations.

Also read: Punjab Implements Mandatory Requirement For Vehicles