Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Pune Fortuner Owner Booked Over Alleged Disappearing Number Plate Device
A video showed a Toyota Fortuner hiding its rear number plate with a moving cover.
The video spread online and attracted police attention.
Police say the device may have helped the vehicle avoid traffic cameras and electronic fines.
They registered a case against the vehicle’s owner, Vijay Bhagwan Dagade.
The regional transport office had already inspected the car and found changes and wiring.
It recovered ₹4,500 from the driver.
Reports said the vehicle had 55 traffic challans, many for speeding.
Police have not said that the car was used in another crime, and no arrest is mentioned in the FIR.
Wakad police booked Fortuner owner Vijay Bhagwan Dagade on September 9.
Police allege a mechanical device concealed the vehicle’s rear registration plate.
The case invokes three Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions and the Motor Vehicles Act.
Pimpri-Chinchwad RTO earlier inspected the vehicle and recovered ₹4,500 from its driver.
The Fortuner reportedly had 55 challans, though the FIR does not specify the outstanding amount.
- Who
- Wakad police booked Fortuner owner Vijay Bhagwan Dagade, a Tathawade resident.
- What
- Police registered a criminal case over an alleged mechanical system that concealed the vehicle’s rear registration plate.
- When
- The video circulated on September 8, and the case was registered on September 9.
- Where
- The matter concerns a Toyota Fortuner in Pimpri-Chinchwad, with the case registered by Wakad police.
- Why
- Police allege the device was intended to help evade e-challans, speed cameras and other enforcement systems.
- Vehicle
- Toyota Fortuner, registration MH 14 LN 4888
- Accused owner
- Vijay Bhagwan Dagade of Tathawade
- Police station
- Wakad police
- Relevant provisions
- Sections 336(3), 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, plus Section 198 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- RTO action
- The Pimpri-Chinchwad RTO found alterations and wiring and recovered ₹4,500 from the driver
- Reported challans
- Publicly available challan information reportedly showed 55 traffic challans
- Outstanding amount
- Reports cited about ₹1 lakh, but the exact amount is not stated in the Wakad police FIR