Three Held in Hyderabad for Using Same Registration Number on Multiple Two-Wheelers
Charminar Task Force busts fraud; three Honda Activas seized in Warasiguda case to evade challans and loan recovery
HYDERABAD: Police apprehended three persons for fraudulently using a single registration number on multiple two‑wheelers to mislead enforcement agencies in the Warasiguda police station limits.
The accused — Nakoti Mallikarjun, who runs a lighting business; Bheem Ajay Reddy, a merchant; and Koppula Dhanraj, a collection agent — are residents of Parsigutta in Secunderabad. Police seized three scooters, all bearing the same registration number (TS09 FE 4997). The fraud came to light when Ajay Reddy was intercepted while riding one of the vehicles. Verification revealed discrepancies in engine and chassis numbers, confirming the vehicle was unregistered.
Investigations showed the vehicle originally belonged to Sai Ram and had been handed over to Mallikarjun over a debt. To prevent repossession by the bank over an outstanding amount of ₹36,000, Mallikarjun allegedly affixed a duplicate number plate of his registered vehicle and allowed others to use it. Further probe revealed the same registration number was being used on three different vehicles to evade traffic challans and mislead authorities.
A case has been registered under Sections 318(4) and 316(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Warasiguda Police Station. The operation was carried out under the supervision of inspector S. Saidababu along with the Charminar Task Force team and Warasiguda police.
In response to rising public complaints, the city traffic police have launched a special enforcement drive against vehicles using fake, tampered, altered or unauthorised registration plates. Five criminal cases have been registered in the past week against individuals concealing vehicle identities with fraudulent plates, according to joint commissioner (traffic) D. Joel Davis. Vehicles were seized in the jurisdictions of Tappachabutra, IS Sadan, Tolichowki, Abids and Malakpet traffic police stations.
Traffic police reminded owners that only High‑Security Registration Plates (HSRP) approved by the Government are legally valid. Plates with altered fonts, missing digits, decorative designs, stickers or unauthorised modifications are prohibited. Davis warned that offenders will face criminal prosecution and vehicle seizure, stressing a Zero Tolerance approach against fake or manipulated plates.
The department appealed to motorists to comply with prescribed specifications and traffic regulations. Enforcement drives will continue across Hyderabad to promote road safety, ensure lawful identification and support crime prevention.
