Police and Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) units have uncovered suspected attempts to manipulate the chassis and registration numbers of stolen vehicles, allegedly to sell them on the resale market or use them for illegal activities. Police said the recent arrest of a 19-year-old with one such modified vehicle suggests multiple gangs may be involved in the illegal trade.
It was the Marad police that recently detected a stolen vehicle with a fake registration plate and altered chassis number. During the blitz, the gang allegedly abandoned a motorcycle, which the police later impounded for verification. The young suspect was arrested after the police confirmed the original details of the vehicle to the owner.
“A few years ago, there were many cases where stolen motorcycles were sold in the market with fake registration numbers. Many buyers bought them as the vehicles were offered at very low prices. Later, a number of these vehicles were seized as part of the court proceedings,” said a police officer involved in the investigation.
He added that many of those involved in the vehicle thefts were teenagers who were suspected of using the money to abuse drugs.
MVD sources said attempts to change or erase the chassis number would be considered a serious offense as it would be difficult to trace the rightful owner. They added that such manipulation would also limit efforts to identify vehicles used in various crimes.
“There have been several cases where motorcycles seized in drug-trafficking cases have been found to have fake registration numbers and altered chassis numbers. After finding this pattern, the enforcement forces have been instructed to remain vigilant against such practices,” an excise official said.
He added that another tactic is to use abandoned vehicle license plates on stolen motorcycles to mislead investigators and avoid detection.
According to police sources, security cameras installed to detect traffic violations have proved crucial in identifying vehicles with fake registration numbers. In several cases, the original owners approached the MVD and the police after receiving challans for violations they did not commit. Subsequent verification revealed that their registration numbers had been misused on other vehicles, prompting further action to track down those involved.
As part of attempts to conceal the theft of the vehicle, a partial erasure of the original number plate or covering of its part with a sticker was also recorded. Police sources said that as part of increased vigilance, enforcement units would release such suspicious vehicles only on production of original registration certificate and driving license.
Published – 01 March 2026 20:43 IST
