The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) on Monday withdrew the suspension of two officials who had fined an off-road vehicle engaged in flood relief operations in Pathanamthitta.The two officials have since been transferred from the Adoor Sub Regional Transport Office (SRTO) to the Mavelikkara and Kazhakuttam SRTOs. The transfer orders were issued by the Transport Commissioner.The move came amid mounting protests by MVD employees’ organisations against the disciplinary action. The Kerala Association of Motor Vehicle Inspectors (KAMVIA) and the Kerala Motor Vehicle Department Gazetted Officers’ Association (KMVDGOA) had announced an indefinite protest, including a `zero-challan’campaign under which officials would continue vehicle inspections but refrain from imposing fines for traffic violations.The organisations had also announced a dharna in front of the Transport Commissionerate on August 22.The disciplinary action against the two officials followed an incident in which an MVD squad intercepted an off-road vehicle at Adoor that had been used for flood and disaster relief operations in Aranmula. The vehicle was fined ₹5,250 for allegedly using an unauthorised light mounted on its bonnet. The action triggered widespread criticism, following which Transport Minister C.P. John ordered the suspension of the officials.The officials maintained that they had acted in accordance with a government circular directing MVD personnel to take strict action against traffic violations. They also claimed that the driver had not informed them that the vehicle was being used for rescue operations when it was stopped.The vehicle owner, a native of Mezhuveli, later released a video of the incident. In the footage, he is heard telling the MVD official that the vehicle was being used for flood relief operations. The official, however, is heard responding, “Nobody forced you to do it,” before proceeding with the fine. Published - August 10, 2026 07:52 pm IST