Police register FIR; main accused from Delhi
Idrees Bukhtiyar
Srinagar, May 21: Srinagar Police have registered a case into an alleged racket involving the manufacture and supply of counterfeit High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) in the city and adjoining areas, following a complaint by an authorised HSRP vendor who claimed that fake number plates were being sold openly through social media platforms.
According to the FIR lodged at Saddar Police Station, the complaint was filed by Rahul Bhasin, an authorised representative of Rosmerta Technologies Limited, a company engaged in manufacturing and supplying HSRPs across India and an authorised vendor for a majority of vehicle manufacturers in Jammu and Kashmir.
In his complaint addressed to the Superintendent of Police, South Srinagar, Bhasin alleged that unauthorised operators were manufacturing and affixing fake HSRPs that closely resembled genuine plates, thereby creating a “parallel black market” that could undermine national security and defeat the purpose of the HSRP scheme introduced by the central government.
The complaint stated that the company had noticed a growing trend of vehicle owners replacing original HSRPs with custom-made counterfeit plates. It further alleged that one such operation was functioning through an Instagram page identified as “Turbo Shine Customs,” reportedly operating near Ashai Bagh, Nageen Bridge in Srinagar.
To verify the allegations, the complainant reportedly contacted the operators while posing as a customer. During the interaction, an individual identified as Numan Iqbal allegedly assured him that the fake plates could replicate original HSRPs by copying laser codes from vehicle registration certificates (RCs). The accused allegedly quoted ₹1,600 for the plates and shared images of fabricated number plates bearing the complainant’s vehicle registration number.
The FIR noted that HSRPs were introduced after the 2002 Parliament attack to strengthen vehicle identification systems and prevent the misuse of vehicles in crimes and terror-related activities. The plates contain specific security features, including laser-etched unique identification codes linked to government databases.
The complainant alleged that counterfeit plates were being manufactured using the “AA” laser code series exclusively allotted to Rosmerta Technologies Limited by the Automotive Research Association of India. According to the complaint, fake plates lacked mandatory security features and violated Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Following directions from senior police officers, Saddar Police initiated a preliminary inquiry under Section 173 (3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
During the inquiry, police summoned two persons – Noman Iqbal Bhat of Bandipora and Fazil Rafiq Jan of Tangbagh, Srinagar. According to the inquiry report, both individuals admitted ordering HSRP-style number plates through Instagram pages, including “Turbo Shine Customs” and “Nishant Elite Plates.”
The duo reportedly told police that they initially purchased the plates for “aesthetic purposes” and for making social media reels. Later, after friends and acquaintances showed interest, they allegedly began arranging similar plates for others, charging ₹1,400 per plate and earning a profit of around ₹400 per plate.
Police said the two accused claimed they believed the plates were legal since such products were openly advertised on Instagram and other online platforms.
The inquiry further revealed that the complainant himself had ordered one such plate through the Instagram account and retained it as evidence.
Police said a prima facie case had been established, prompting the registration of an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to cheating, forgery, making false documents and counterfeiting of plates and marks.
“We have served notice to the accused in this regard and asked them to cooperate with the investigation,” a police official said, adding, “However, the main accused is from Delhi.”