The West Siang police recently uncovered a vehicle registration forgery and fake number plate racket, seizing 16 vehicles with counterfeit registration papers and number plates.
The racket came to light on 2 October when a car was intercepted in Aalo town and its registration certificate (RC) was found to be fake. Further inquiry revealed a large-scale forgery network, leading to the identification of multiple vehicles involved. Most of the seized vehicles were second, third, or even fifth ownership units, originally registered in other states, with expired non-transport RCs being used for commercial operations.
The investigation revealed that fake RCs and number plates were reportedly sold for Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 per vehicle, complete with forged DTO seals and holograms. One of the suspects who joined the investigation admitted to facilitating the production of fake RCs and number plates.
Public advisory: Police have urged the public to remain vigilant, warning that insurance or accident claims involving vehicles with fake registrations will not be entertained.
In July this year, the Itanagar police dismantled a sophisticated interstate vehicle theft and smuggling racket, recovering 57 high-end stolen vehicles valued at over Rs 30.5 crore.
The syndicate procured luxury and high-end vehicles from Delhi-NCR and neighbouring states. The stolen vehicles were handed over to brokers who tampered with engine and chassis numbers, forged documents, and smuggled the vehicles into Arunachal Pradesh. The same modus operandi appears to have been used in the current case as well.
Although the police continually warn the public about the consequences of buying stolen vehicles, the problem shows no sign of ending. With high-end cars being sold at very affordable prices, the offer remains tempting for buyers. However, those who knowingly purchase such vehicles are as guilty as the sellers – they, too, are complicit in the theft. Unless strong measures are implemented to curb this menace, people will continue to steal, sell, and buy, while the police will remain occupied chasing them across the state.