Daijiworld Media Network - Colva

Colva, Jun 2: A Maharashtra-registered Mahindra Thar came under scrutiny at Colva on Sunday night after locals and police noticed alleged traffic rule violations, including the use of a number plate in Marathi script and tinted window glass.

The incident occurred near Colva beach square when the vehicle reportedly sped past a local resident near the Colva circle, attracting the attention of youngsters in the area. Suspecting irregularities, some locals followed the vehicle and later found it parked nearby.

According to residents, the vehicle was unattended when they first located it. They observed that the registration number was displayed in Marathi script and that the windows were fitted with tinted glass, both of which raised concerns.

With Thar vehicles having recently been linked to several road accidents in Goa, locals alerted the police and sought information about the vehicle and its occupants.

When the occupants returned, they were questioned by residents over the use of a Marathi number plate, which locals argued could make it difficult to identify the vehicle in the event of an accident or traffic violation.

Residents claimed the occupants stated that they had already paid a fine at the state border check post for the improper number plate and were willing to pay another penalty if necessary.

Locals, however, urged police to impound the vehicle and conduct a detailed inquiry into the movements of its occupants.

Police later issued a challan of Rs 1,000 against the vehicle — Rs 500 each for displaying an improper number plate and for using tinted glass, both of which violate traffic regulations.