Sambalpur: Duplicate Vehicle Number Causes Chaos in Sambalpur; Two Vehicles with the Same Registration Number
Sambalpur: In Sambalpur, Sunil Kumar, an employee at a private company, faced an unusual situation when he received a surprising message on his phone yesterday at 11 a.m. The message stated that a fine of Rs. 2,000 was imposed on him for not wearing a helmet. However, the message mentioned that the fine was issued in Khaliapali, Bargarh district, while Sunil and his bike were in Sambalpur at the time. This raised serious doubts in his mind.
Discovery of Duplicate Number Plate
When Sunil clicked on the link in the message, he was shocked to see the photo of the fined vehicle. The vehicle had the same registration number as his bike. However, while Sunil owns a Hero HF Dawn, the fined vehicle was entirely different. Realizing something was wrong, he immediately reported the matter to the Ainthapali Police Station.
The Investigation Maze
Sunil informed the police that someone else was using his vehicle registration number on another bike and requested an investigation. However, the process quickly became confusing as different authorities became involved. The local police initially directed him to contact the Traffic Police, who then advised him to approach the RTO (Regional Transport Office) in Bargarh. This constant back-and-forth left Sunil frustrated and without a resolution to his problem.
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Key Questions Raised
This incident raises serious concerns about the accuracy and procedures followed by traffic enforcement authorities. A key question is why the police did not verify the chassis and engine numbers of the fined vehicle, as these technical details differ from Sunil’s bike despite having the same registration number. Additionally, it highlights the failure to utilize the transport department’s database, which provides comprehensive vehicle details online. Proper verification through these systems could have easily prevented such errors, ensuring accountability and accuracy in issuing fines.
Police Response and Next Steps
The Sambalpur Police stated that they are waiting for confirmation from the Bargarh RTO regarding which vehicle is genuine. Once this clarification arrives, appropriate action will be taken against the wrongdoers.
Meanwhile, Sunil continues to face inconvenience and uncertainty while waiting for justice. This case highlights the need for stricter checks and better coordination between police and RTO officials to avoid such errors in the future.
