Fortuner With Concealed Number Plate Lands Owner in Police Case

• Wakad police investigate alleged vehicle modification after video of mechanism goes viral

Pimpri : A Toyota Fortuner allegedly modified with a mechanism that could conceal its rear registration plate has come under police scrutiny in Pimpri-Chinchwad after a video showing the system surfaced on social media.

The Wakad police registered a case on September 9 against Vijay Bhagwan Dagade, a resident of Tathawade and the registered owner and driver of the Fortuner bearing registration number MH 14 LN 4888.

According to the police complaint, the vehicle had been fitted with a mechanical arrangement that could cover the rear number plate. Police suspect that such a modification could make it difficult for enforcement authorities to identify the vehicle in cases involving traffic violations, accidents or other incidents.

The case has been registered under Sections 336(3), 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Section 198 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

RTO inspection triggers police action

The matter came to light after a video circulated on September 8 showing the Fortuner’s rear registration plate being covered by a flap or similar mechanism. Following the video, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Regional Transport Office (RTO) inspected the vehicle. Officials reportedly found modifications to the vehicle and wiring connected to the number-plate concealment system. The RTO also took Rs. 4,500 from the driver as part of the action taken against the vehicle. The RTO subsequently sought a police inquiry into whether the modification had any connection with other criminal activity. The police have now begun a separate investigation into the alleged concealment mechanism.

55 challans reportedly issued

The Fortuner also came under attention over its reported traffic violation history. Information available through traffic challan records was reported to show 55 challans against the vehicle, with the outstanding amount estimated by various reports at around Rs. 1 lakh. Several of the reported violations were related to overspeeding, while others allegedly involved failure to wear a seat belt and improper display of the registration mark. However, the Wakad police FIR does not specify the total outstanding challan amount.

Police to examine purpose of modification

The investigation will now focus on why the number-plate concealment mechanism was installed and how it was used. Police will examine whether the modification was intended to prevent the vehicle’s registration number from being captured by speed cameras, e-challan systems or other enforcement mechanisms, and whether there is any evidence connecting the system to previous traffic violations or other offences.

The FIR was registered on the complaint of Police Head Constable Rohidas Ghodu Borhade of the Wakad Traffic Division. The allegations against the vehicle owner are yet to be established through investigation or court proceedings. Registration of the case does not by itself establish that the vehicle was used in any other criminal offence.