JALANDHAR, May 22— Police have busted an organised vehicle registration fraud racket with the arrest of two men and the recovery of forged documents, digital devices, and a car with counterfeit number plates. Authorities suspect the network extends across multiple districts in Punjab.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sukhraj Singh alias Sekhu, a resident of Jagatpura in Jalandhar, and Balveer Singh of Mohali. Their arrest follows a complaint lodged on May 16 regarding fake vehicle registrations, prompting police to register a case under Sections 63, 331(4), and 305 of the Indian Penal Code. Section 317(2) was added as the investigation progressed.
Acting on a tip-off, police launched a series of late-night raids on May 7 and 8 in Baharampur, Nawanshahr, and adjoining areas. A suspicious Kia vehicle bearing the number plate PB-65-AZ-6155 was intercepted. The car was found to be using forged registration documents and contained a counterfeit Exide battery.
“We recovered two laptops, a OnePlus phone, vehicle keys and the Kia car used in the operation. The documents seized indicate a broader network,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (City-2) HS Bal. “The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected as we trace other members involved in this fraudulent operation.”
Police suspect that the gang may have facilitated numerous bogus registrations using forged identities and counterfeit parts, potentially defrauding both buyers and state transport authorities.
