MLA Sticker Fraud Exposed During Meerut Republic Day Security Drive
In a significant crackdown ahead of Republic Day celebrations, Meerut police intercepted a black Thar SUV displaying a fraudulent "MLA" sticker during vehicle inspections on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. The incident occurred during an intensified security operation launched across the district to ensure public safety during the national holiday.
Photocopied Sticker Leads to Arrest and Vehicle Seizure
Dr Vipin Tada, DIG/SSP of Meerut, was personally supervising the vehicle checking operation when police stopped the suspicious Thar with tinted windows and the prominent MLA designation. Upon thorough verification, authorities discovered the sticker was merely a photocopy, not an official government authorization. Following this revelation, police immediately arrested the Thar owner and registered an FIR at Partapur police station. The luxury SUV was subsequently seized as evidence in the case.
SSP Tada confirmed to media that the vehicle checking focused on multiple security aspects including verification of vehicle documents, identification of occupants, and detection of any suspicious activities. The operation specifically targeted major toll plazas across Meerut district including Paratapur, Sivaya, Bhuni, and Mawana locations.
Multiple Violations Uncovered During Security Sweep
During the same security drive, police intercepted another vehicle - an Innova car - that displayed multiple violations including a tempered registration plate, unauthorized police-style red and blue beacon lights, and illegal tinted windows. According to SSP Tada, many offenders involved in such violations are youths who use forged documents and unauthorized modifications primarily to avoid toll payments and gain unauthorized privileges on roads.
The comprehensive checking operation yielded substantial results across Meerut district. Police authorities registered a total of 43 separate cases, seized six vehicles for various violations, and issued 215 traffic challans for offenses including overspeeding and rash driving. These numbers reflect the extensive nature of the security preparations ahead of Republic Day celebrations.
Continued Vigilance for Public Safety
SSP Tada emphasized that strict checking procedures would continue in the coming days to maintain law and order during Republic Day events. The security measures are part of broader preparations to ensure public safety during national celebrations, with particular attention to potential security threats and traffic violations that could compromise public order.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the misuse of official designations and unauthorized vehicle modifications in Uttar Pradesh. Police authorities have warned that such fraudulent practices not only violate traffic regulations but could potentially facilitate more serious criminal activities by allowing unauthorized access or creating false impressions of official privilege.
