In a major crackdown against online fraud, the South Regional Cyber Cell of Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested an accused from Bengaluru, Karnataka, for allegedly running a fake website and illegally registering high-security registration plates (HSRP). The arrested accused has been identified as Vinod Venkat Bavale (57).
Speaking to the media, Mumbai Cyber Cell DCP Dattatray Nalawade informed that the accused was operating from Bengaluru and was running an unauthorised portal through which he was issuing high-security number plates for vehicles in Maharashtra. The accused used to charge Rs 400 for two-wheelers, Rs 700 for four-wheelers, and Rs 1,500 for trucks in exchange for the fake registration services.
Investigations have so far revealed that the accused had already issued number plates to at least 40 vehicle owners across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. The police suspect the involvement of more individuals in this racket and are currently on the lookout for them.
According to officials from the South Regional Cyber Cell, the case was initiated based on a complaint filed on May 2, 2024, by Assistant Transport Commissioner Gajanan Nana Thombre. In the complaint, Thombre highlighted that high-security registration plates are mandatory for all vehicles in Maharashtra, as part of a national initiative aimed at enhancing road safety, preventing crimes involving vehicles, and curbing tampering and forgery of number plates. The issue was also raised during a session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
Following the complaint, the cyber cell conducted a thorough investigation, which included a technical analysis of the website — https://indnumberplate.com. The probe led the police to Bengaluru, where the accused was traced. A team from the cyber cell then travelled to Bengaluru and successfully apprehended the accused.
Senior Police Inspector Nandkumar Gopale of the South Cyber Cell revealed that the accused used to collect personal data from unsuspecting customers and, in some cases, would even get the number plates manufactured via legitimate government portals before delivering them. Initially, Bavale was running a printing press, but after it shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, he allegedly ventured into this illegal business.
The police are continuing their investigation to unearth the full extent of the racket and identify other individuals involved.