Authorities in Bengaluru have launched a probe against a city resident, the owner of a high-end Bentley Flying Spur, for allegedly submitting forged documents to drastically undervalue the luxury vehicle and evade a substantial amount of road tax during its registration.
The Alleged Scam: Undervaluing a Crorepati Car
Officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) claim the individual presented falsified papers that declared the price of the luxury car at just Rs 2.4 crore. However, the vehicle's actual market value is reported to be over Rs 5.5 crore. Based on this manipulated invoice value, the owner paid approximately Rs 52 lakh as road tax. Transport department estimates suggest the legitimate tax liability should have been closer to Rs 1.3 crore, indicating a potential tax evasion of around Rs 78 lakh.
The case came to light after RTO officials, acting on credible information, inspected the vehicle at the owner's residence in Koramangala on Sunday. They scrutinised the registration documents and impounded several key records for further investigation.
Forgery and Delayed Registration
According to the officials, the luxury car was purchased in 2023 and initially obtained a temporary registration certificate from Delhi. The probe revealed that the owner allegedly delayed the process of permanent registration for more than a year. The car was eventually registered at the Bantwal Assistant RTO in Dakshina Kannada district, outside Bengaluru. Despite being registered elsewhere, the vehicle was reportedly being used regularly within the city limits.
"We received credible inputs that the owner forged documents to undervalue the car and evade tax. Our probe traced the vehicle, which was being used in Bengaluru after registration," an RTO official stated.
Multiple Violations Uncovered
During the inspection, authorities seized multiple documents, including the tax invoice, insurance certificate, original registration certificate, and temporary registration papers. The investigation also uncovered other irregularities:
- The car was purchased using a financed loan.
- It had been allotted a fancy registration number purchased through the RTO.
- Critically, the vehicle did not have the mandatory High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), which are compulsory for all vehicles registered after April 1, 2019.
Officials confirmed that dealer-issued bona fide certificates were found inside the car during the inspection, adding another layer to the document trail being examined.
Legal Repercussions and Next Steps
The RTO has formally issued a notice to the Bentley owner, seeking a detailed explanation for the alleged tax evasion and violations of motor vehicle rules. The department is preparing to take stringent action based on the owner's response.
An official highlighted the serious legal consequences, stating, "Under the Motor Vehicles Act, there are provisions to cancel the registration certificate if forged documents are submitted at the time of registration." Further action will be initiated by senior officials after reviewing the owner's explanation to the notice.
This case underscores the heightened vigilance by transport authorities against tax evasion, especially involving high-value assets, and serves as a warning against the submission of fraudulent documents for vehicle registration.
