In a significant crackdown on vehicle-related fraud, the Nagpur Traffic Police exposed a case involving a Mercedes-Benz car fitted with a fake number plate. The incident came to light on April 17, 2025, near Poonam Mall in the Alankar Square area under the jurisdiction of Sonegaon Traffic Division.
Traffic personnel Surendra Pagare (Badge No. 5966) spotted the suspiciously parked Mercedes bearing registration number MH 02-DZ-5061. Before initiating towing action, officials checked the vehicle’s ownership details through the e-challan system and contacted the registered owner, Hanit Manjeetsingh Arora, a resident of Mira Road, Mumbai. Arora informed the police that his vehicle was parked at his residence and had not been in Nagpur, indicating possible misuse of his number plate.
He also revealed that two challans had previously been issued in Nagpur for the same number, prompting him to file a complaint with the Kashimira Traffic Department in Thane City. It became evident that someone had cloned his vehicle number for illegal use.
Shortly after, Harish Tiwari arrived at the scene with his wife and claimed ownership of the Mercedes. When asked for documents, he contacted his son, Yash Tiwari, but both failed to provide clear answers, raising further suspicion. The vehicle and occupants were taken to the Sitabuldi Traffic Division for verification.
Upon presenting the car documents, it was found that the actual registration number of the vehicle was MH 31-EX-9993. Verification of the engine and chassis numbers confirmed the original identity of the car, proving that a duplicate number plate had been used intentionally.
Following detailed questioning, Harish Tiwari confessed that his son Yash had instructed him to use the fake number plate to evade challans and legal consequences. Their intent was to mislead the authorities and direct any fines or legal actions toward the original owner.
Based on this, Bajaj Nagar Police registered an FIR under Sections 318(2), 336(3), 340(2), 345(3), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with Section 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, against Harish Devicharan Tiwari and Yash Harish Tiwari.
Lauding the vigilance of Sonegaon Traffic Division staff, senior officials said the team acted with intelligence and timeliness to uncover the fraud and prevent further misuse.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Archit Chandak, has issued a strict warning against such offences.
“Modifying or replacing original vehicle number plates with fake ones is a serious criminal offence, punishable under the BNS and the Motor Vehicles Act. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any such suspicious activities to the authorities to maintain law and order on city roads,” said the DCP.
Authorities have urged the public to take note that tampering with vehicle number plates is a grave offence, and strict legal action will be taken against those involved.
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