Panipat. While conducting a routine traffic check on Hathwala Road, police uncovered two white Maruti cars that were posing as official government vehicles. Subsequent investigation identified a father‑son team that had mounted fake number plates and government‑style markings on the automobiles.
Tip sparks a focused inspection
Traffic Zone In‑charge Satish Kumar explained that officers were sweeping the area near the Hathwala Road bridge on October 4 when they received a tip about a vehicle cruising the city with a government‑type registration. The team moved to a lane behind the SFC Hotel and spotted a white Maruti Ertiga bearing the words “Government of India” in red on its rear.
Close by, a second white Maruti Ciaz was parked. Its boot displayed similar text—“Government of India” and “PBSM Ministry”—and both cars carried plates that mimicked official identification.
Numbers fail to match official records
When the registration numbers were run through the challan database, no corresponding entries were found. At that moment, a man named Rajbir claimed ownership of both vehicles but could not produce registration certificates on the spot.
Police then cross‑checked the chassis numbers. The check revealed that the Ertiga was registered to Rahul, a resident of Krishna Colony, while the Ciaz was registered in Rajbir’s name.
Clear signs of tampering
Both automobiles were fitted with sirens, and the altered plates and government‑style decals were clearly intended to project an official status. Investigators noted that Rahul had removed the Ertiga’s genuine plate and replaced it with a fabricated one, and Rajbir had done the same with his Ciaz.
Legal action and seizure
A case has been filed against the father‑son duo, and the two Maruti cars have been seized. The probe continues to ascertain how the counterfeit plates and markings were obtained and whether any further misuse took place.
