Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 23: A shocking revelation has emerged as multiple robbery incidents across Karnataka point to the use of fake number plates by criminals. Notable cases include the Bidar ATM robbery, the Kotekar Co-operative Bank heist, and the Mysuru incident where an entrepreneur was looted of Rs 1.5 lac after being intercepted by robbers.

In the recent robbery at the KC Road branch of Kotekar Co-operative Bank, the Fiat car used by the culprits underwent multiple number plate changes. While it initially bore a Maharashtra registration when entering Udupi, it displayed a fake Bengaluru registration after crossing Hejamady Toll Plaza. Following the crime, the vehicle was reportedly driven to Kerala.

In the Mysuru incident, where robbers attacked and looted an entrepreneur, the gang used a vehicle with multiple fake registrations, including DL-08-CAK 9775, KA-05-NL 6188, and KL-03-Y1261. More than five fake number plates were recovered from the vehicle, indicating the extent of the racket.

Investigations have uncovered an expansive network of fake number plates operating across the state. These plates are not only used on cars but also on other vehicles, such as pick-ups, auto-rickshaws, and tempos, facilitating illegal transportation of goods. A recent incident at BC Road Toll Gate exposed vehicles using fake plates for smuggling.

Despite the implementation of FASTag, which links a vehicle’s registration to the tag, toll booths often overlook verifying the authenticity of number plates. A review following the KC Road robbery revealed the same vehicle passing through multiple toll gates with different registrations.

The High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) initiative, aimed at vehicle safety and quick crime detection, has seen limited enforcement in Karnataka. While HSRP plates contain essential details such as engine and chassis numbers linked to a central database, only 34 lac vehicles in the state have been registered with HSRP, leaving room for misuse.

These plates are designed to prevent unauthorized modifications, as any tampering is immediately detected upon scanning. Despite its advantages in tracking stolen vehicles and deterring crimes, the state government has not effectively implemented the system.

In Ashoknagar, Bengaluru, traffic police recently identified two cars bearing the same registration number. When police contacted the registered owner, John Martin, regarding his car being parked in a no-parking zone, he discovered that another car had the same registration as his. A complaint was subsequently filed at the traffic police station.

With incidents of fake number plate usage rising, there is an urgent need for stringent enforcement of HSRP registration and enhanced monitoring at toll gates to curb the activities of such criminal networks.