Auto-Rickshaw Scam Unveiled: Same Registration Number on Two Different Vehicles Raises Concerns in Pune
In a shocking incident in Pune, two auto-rickshaws with the same registration number were found plying on the roads. The incident came to light when Sushil Kisanrao Bhandalkar, the owner of one of the auto-rickshaws, received an e-challan (electronic traffic ticket) on his phone for a violation committed by the other vehicle. Confused, Bhandalkar investigated the matter and discovered that his auto-rickshaw was parked outside his friend Pritam Nanavare’s house for the past 15 days, as Nanavare had been unwell. Further investigations revealed that the auto-rickshaw with the same registration number actually belonged to a different person who had used a fake number plate.
Bhandalkar immediately reported the incident to the authorities and the police took swift action. When Bhandalkar spotted the fraudulent auto-rickshaw parked near a school, he informed the police through the emergency number. The police arrived at the scene and seized the vehicle. They later discovered that the original number plate of the seized auto-rickshaw was different from the fake one, and it had been legally issued to Bhandalkar’s vehicle. The owner of the fraudulent auto-rickshaw, Kiran Pawal, was subsequently arrested and an FIR was registered against him under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code.
This is not an isolated incident in Pune. In the past two months alone, there have been two similar cases where auto-rickshaws were found using counterfeit registration numbers. The Azad Rickshaw Drivers Association has taken up the cause of fighting against these fraudulent practices that not only endanger customers but also contribute to illegal activities. Shafik Patel, the Founding President of the association, emphasized the importance of reporting such cases to the police and urged citizens, rickshaw drivers, and owners to contact the authorities if they come across any suspicious auto-rickshaws.
The revelation of this auto-rickshaw scam highlights the need for stricter regulation and enforcement in the transportation sector. The use of fake registration numbers poses a serious threat to the safety and security of passengers. It is essential for authorities to crack down on these fraudulent practices and ensure that only legitimate vehicles with valid registration numbers are allowed to operate on the roads. The cooperation of citizens and relevant associations is crucial in identifying and reporting such instances of fraud.
As investigations continue into this particular case, it is expected that the police will uncover more instances of auto-rickshaws using counterfeit registration numbers. The authorities, along with the Azad Rickshaw Drivers Association, are determined to combat this issue and restore faith in the auto-rickshaw industry. It is imperative for everyone involved, including the transportation authorities, law enforcement agencies, and citizens, to work together to eliminate this scam and ensure the safety of commuters in Pune.
