Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police have arrested a man for allegedly affixing a fake number plate identical to another vehicle’s registration number, on his motorcycle to evade traffic fines.
The accused has been identified as Malayranjan Jena (30), a native of Ghasibhabanipura village under Satyabadi police limits in Puri district who was staying in Bhubaneswar.
The matter came to light on April 16 when Dandadhari Das lodged a complaint at Capital police station, reporting several e-challan messages, including a Rs 1,000 fine for riding without a helmet. He identified the number plate on the motorcycle identical to his vehicle, but claimed it was of a different colour.
During investigation, the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system flagged the suspected vehicle near SOOR Company Chhak. The CCTV Control Room immediately alerted traffic personnel and the Capital Police team, following which the vehicle was intercepted and the rider apprehended.
Subsequent interrogation revealed that Jena had knowingly fitted a duplicate number plate matching the complainant’s vehicle. “The accused person belongs to Satyabadi, but has a shop in Bhubaneswar. He was using a duplicate number plate on his motorcycle to evade traffic fines,” said Commissioner of Police Suresh Dev Datta Singh.
He hoped this case will raise awareness among citizens to reach out to police about receiving incorrect messages.
Meanwhile, police have seized the motorcycle. The accused has been charged under Sections 318(4), 336(3), and 340(2) along with Sections 177 and 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
