Siliguri, 13th March: In a significant breakthrough, the police of the Bhaktinagar Police Station in Siliguri have busted the illegal number plate business operated under the nose of the Regional Transport Office (RTO). In addition, the police have seized a significant number of illegal number plates and arrested one identified as Suresh Singh (44).
According to police sources, a consultancy shop near the ITI More adjacent to Vidyasagar Club in Bhaktinagar, was found to be hoarding a large number of original number plates. Upon receiving the information, the police launched an operation on Tuesday night and seized approximately 106 taxi and private vehicle number plates from the consultancy shop. Meanwhile, when interrogated, the shop owner, Suresh Singh, failed to produce any valid documentation pertaining to the number plates. Subsequently, Suresh was arrested on charges of engaging in illegal activities related to vehicle number plates. On Wednesday, the police produced the accused before the Jalpaiguri court and requested a remand.
It is noteworthy that within 15 days or a month of purchasing a new vehicle, an RTO number plate is affixed to the vehicle for identification and legality. Under a normal circumstance, this number plate cannot be obtained from any other source except the RTO. However, the presence of a large number of RTO number plates in the consultancy shop raises concerns. Meanwhile, the Bhaktinagar Police Station has contacted the RTO in connection to the case. At present, the police are conducting a thorough investigation into the entire matter.