Mehsana: B Division police have booked two individuals, namely Imam Pathan and Saddam, for running a scam involving the sale of duplicate HSRP (High-Security Registration Plates) in the city.

Acting on a tip-off about the ongoing scam, the Special Operations Group of Mehsana Police conducted a raid in the Nagalpur area earlier this year. During the raid at Shop No. F-12 in Pramukh Enclave Market, named The Galaxy Art, authorities found 79 suspicious number plates in a drawer. The manufacturing of these plates was similar to HSRP, but the shopkeeper did not have any supporting documents. Consequently, on February 9, 2024, a complaint was registered against the shop manager at Mehsana B Division Police Station.

Later, the Mehsana RTO confirmed that the number plates found on-site were indicative of criminal activity. According to the RTO’s assessment, the 79 number plates lacked LID (Laser Identification Device) numbers, and there was a noticeable lack of quality in the materials used, including poor embossing.

Based on this information, the Mehsana SOG conducted an intensive interrogation of Imam Bhikhankha Pathan, who was apprehended during the raid. It was revealed that these duplicate number plates were ordered from a person named Saddam in Malad, Mumbai. Following this, the Mehsana SOG registered a case against Imam Bhikhankha Pathan, a resident of Sopan Homes in Nagalpur, and Saddam, a resident of Malad in Mumbai, at the Mehsana B Division Police Station. Further investigation is ongoing regarding how many such plates have already been sold in the market.

It has come to light that the accused were selling duplicate HSRP plates for two-wheelers at ₹600 and for four-wheelers at ₹900, which is around double the price of the original HSRP acquired from the RTO. DeshGujarat