PRAYAGRAJ, Oct. 19 -- Problems of seven transport department constables suspended over allegations of corruption and extortion have mounted, with an anti-corruption probe being initiated against them on the state government's directions. The government has also taken cognisance of allegations that some of the suspended constables misbehaved with an assistant regional transport officer (ARTO) and threatened him for pursuing the case against them. Colonelganj police registered an FIR against four of the accused on a complaint lodged by ARTO (Enforcement) Anand Pratap Rao on October 17, said officials aware of the matter. Officials said further legal action under the Prevention of Corruption Act could follow if the allegations of corruption and illegal collection of money are substantiated. The action follows complaints received by the state government alleging that some constables posted in Prayagraj were illegally collecting money from transporters and vehicle owners. After a confidential inquiry, the transport department headquarters suspended seven constables posted in the district. Following their suspension, the constables were required to report to the department's headquarters in Lucknow. However, several of them reportedly went on medical leave. They subsequently challenged their suspension in the Allahabad high court, but failed to secure relief. On the government's directions, Rao reportedly sought the assistance of an additional advocate general to contest the matter in the high court. According to the complaint lodged by Rao, the incident involving alleged misbehaviour took place on October 16, when he was leaving the residence of his colleague, ARTO Rajiv Kumar, in the Allenganj locality after a discussion. The suspended constables allegedly surrounded Rao outside the residence, misbehaved with him and threatened to kill him for pursuing the case against them. The FIR names suspended constables Pankaj Singh, Anil Pratap Singh and Sheetla Prasad Yadav, besides driver Janardan Sharma. ACP (Colonelganj) Vivek Yadav said, "A case had been registered against the four accused on charges related to obstructing government work, intimidation and misbehaviour. Colonelganj police are investigating the matter."...