2 autos have identical numbers, fake one seized

An argument between two auto drivers near the Nalasopara rail over bridge over identical registration numbers on their vehicles led to the arrest of one of the drivers who had allegedly been driving his vehicle with fake documents.

In a chance encounter, the genuine driver’s auto rickshaw was parked behind the fake one, which led to the fight. Timely intervention by the Traffic Police led to the arrest of the fake auto driver. The Tulinj traffic police arrested the accused, Sarona Pantgatiyar (25) and seized his auto.

The genuine driver had parked his auto MH 04 EU 8637 under the bridge of the Nalasopara (east) side waiting for passengers, when he saw another auto parked ahead of him and to his shock, bore the same registration number as his vehicle. A heated argument ensued between the two drivers and a crowd gathered around the spot, creating a traffic jam. Just then traffic constable Raju Gaikwad, who was on duty reached the spot to clear the crowd and asked the two drivers to come to the Tulinj Traffic police chowky.

The two drivers were asked to provide the registration papers of their respective autos. While the original driver readily gave all the documents, the fake driver gave a photocopy of a fake document, sources said. During the investigation, it was found that that fake papers were given by Pantgatiyar. He was arrested under the Motor Vehicle Act, said Mr Gaikwad. “We have also seized the auto and Pantgatiyar has been released on bail,” added the official.

According to sources, Pantgatiyar had been driving with the illegal documents for at least six months without being caught and a chance encounter with the original auto led to his arrest.

Following the incident, a campaign has been started to check around 10,000 autos plying in Nalasopara to check their registration papers, driver’s badges and other documents, the police said.