Kolhapur Police Cracks Down on Illegal HSRP Number Plate Operation
In a significant enforcement action, the Kolhapur police have dismantled an unauthorized unit that was manufacturing and selling counterfeit High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) number plates to vehicle owners. The illicit operation was discovered in Sajani village, located in the Hatkanangle tehsil of the district.
Tip-Off Leads to Major Raid
The breakthrough came after Constable Navnath Kadam received credible intelligence about the illegal activities. Information indicated that a radium arts shop, operated by 31-year-old Santosh Yadav, was involved in the production and distribution of fake HSRP plates. The shop allegedly marketed these plates to vehicle owners at a price of Rs 500 each, with assurances that they would face no issues regarding the number plates.
Acting swiftly on this tip, a police team, under the leadership of Inspector Sushant Chavan, conducted a search operation at the shop on Wednesday. The raid resulted in the immediate arrest of Santosh Yadav, the proprietor of the establishment.
Substantial Seizure of Equipment and Materials
During the search, authorities confiscated a range of items used in the counterfeit operation. The seized materials included:
- An embossing machine
- A file heater machine
- 33 final number plates
- Raw materials for plate production
- A paper roll inscribed with "INDIA"
- A die for plate manufacturing
The total estimated value of the seized equipment and materials is approximately Rs 4 lakh. Inspector Chavan emphasized the illegality of manufacturing and selling HSRP number plates without proper authorization. "The vehicle owner must register on the official website, after which the government places an order with a registered vendor to produce the number plate," he explained.
Ongoing Investigation into the Racket
The police are now delving deeper into the case to uncover the full extent of the illegal network. Key areas of investigation include:
- The source from which the accused obtained information about HSRP plate manufacturing
- How Santosh Yadav arranged for the specialized machinery required for production
- The number of vehicle owners who purchased the counterfeit plates and their identities
Inspector Chavan stated, "We are investigating where the accused got the information, how he arranged for the machinery, and how many vehicle owners he sold the fake number plates to." This probe aims to identify any potential accomplices and prevent further distribution of unauthorized plates.
Importance of Authorized HSRP Plates
HSRP number plates are designed with advanced security features to curb vehicle-related fraud and theft. Each authorized plate includes a laser-etched code that serves as a digital identifier, linking the vehicle directly to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) database. This system enhances traceability and security for registered vehicles.
Obtaining legitimate HSRP plates from authorized centers typically costs around Rs 1,000, which is double the price charged by the illicit operation. The police action underscores the risks associated with using counterfeit plates, which may lead to legal penalties for vehicle owners and compromise road safety measures.
The Kolhapur police's successful operation highlights their commitment to enforcing vehicle registration laws and protecting consumers from fraudulent practices. Authorities urge vehicle owners to adhere to official procedures and avoid unauthorized vendors to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
