Panipat. A routine traffic check on Hathwala Road uncovered two white Maruti cars that were masquerading as official government vehicles. Subsequent investigation led to a father‑son duo being charged for attaching counterfeit registration plates and government‑style markings.

Tip‑off sparks a focused inspection

Traffic Zone In‑charge Satish Kumar explained that officers were conducting a sweep near the Hathwala Road bridge on October 4 when they received a tip about a vehicle cruising the city with a government‑type licence plate. The team moved to a lane behind the SFC Hotel and spotted a white Maruti Ertiga bearing the words “Government of India” in red on its rear bumper.

Nearby, a second white Maruti Ciaz was parked. Its trunk displayed similar wording – “Government of India” and “PBSM Ministry” – and both cars carried plates that closely mimicked official identification.

Registration numbers fail to match official records

When the numbers were entered into the challan system, no corresponding entries were found. At that moment, a man named Rajbir claimed ownership of both cars but could not produce registration certificates on the spot.

Police then cross‑checked chassis numbers. The verification revealed that the Ertiga was registered to Rahul, a resident of Krishna Colony, while the Ciaz was registered in Rajbir’s name.

Clear signs of tampering

Both vehicles were fitted with sirens, and the altered plates along with the government‑style decals were evidently intended to convey an official status. Officers observed that Rahul had removed the Ertiga’s genuine plate and replaced it with a fabricated one, and Rajbir had done the same with his Ciaz.

A case has been filed against the father‑son pair, and the two Maruti cars have been seized. The probe continues to determine the source of the counterfeit plates and whether any further misuse occurred.