Junagadh: In a significant crackdown, the Junagadh RTO, with assistance from the Traffic Police , seized two luxury buses bearing the same registration number GJ-11-Z-0963 that were transporting pilgrims during the Girnar Lili Parikrama. The operation exposed a tax evasion scam, leading to a fine of ₹8 lakh imposed on the bus operators.

Acting on a tip-off, RTO officer A.P. Panchal and his team, in coordination with Traffic Branch PI Vatsal Savag, intercepted the buses. One bus was seized near Majevdi Gate, while the other was apprehended at the ST bus stand. Investigations revealed that one of the buses, lacking a valid chassis number, had its registration canceled by the Rajkot RTO in 2023.

The RTO official confirmed that the buses were operating illegally with identical high-security number plates. Both vehicles were impounded at the RTO office, and strict action was initiated against the operators.

This is not an isolated case; in April, the Valsad RTO had detained another bogus luxury bus with the same registration number. The incident raises questions about how multiple buses with identical numbers are allowed to operate. Authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the bus owner’s identity and prevent similar tax evasion activities by other operators. DeshGujarat