Bengaluru: Wilson Garden police have arrested three people for allegedly forging vehicle registration certificates (RCs), bank no-objection certificates (NOCs) and official seals and using the fake documents to facilitate the sale of stolen cars.

Police have seized 10 high-end vehicles and a two-wheeler worth around Rs 2 crore, along with equipment and materials allegedly used to prepare counterfeit documents.

The case came to light after a resident of Mehboob Layout in Wilson Garden filed a complaint on September 3 after discovering that an RC supplied with a vehicle he was shown was allegedly fake.

Car dealer allegedly supplied fake RC

According to police, the complainant knew one of the accused, identified as C Prabhakar, 43, a car dealer from Soladevanahalli.

Police said Prabhakar had contacted the complainant claiming that an SUV was available for sale and sent photographs of the vehicle through WhatsApp.

The complainant was allegedly asked to transfer Rs 20,000 as an advance through UPI to one of Prabhakar’s associates. He was subsequently asked to meet the dealer near a park in Wilson Garden, where the vehicle was shown along with its registration certificate.

The buyer later discovered that the RC was allegedly fake, following which he approached the police and filed a complaint on September 3.

Three accused arrested

Wilson Garden police arrested three people in connection with the alleged racket.

The accused have been identified as:

  • N Somesh, 46, from Kengeri
  • S Santosh alias Appu, 37, from Jnanabharathi
  • C Prabhakar, 43, from Soladevanahalli

Police allege that the accused were involved in preparing forged RCs, bank NOCs and seals of government offices and officials.

Investigators are examining the individual roles of the accused and how the allegedly forged documents were used in transactions involving vehicles.

Fake documents and equipment seized

During the investigation, police reportedly seized several items allegedly connected to the document-forging operation.

These included fake RCs, a machine used to prepare RCs, government-office seals, e-stamp papers, a computer and a printer.

The police also recovered vehicles along with allegedly forged registration documents.

The seizure of specialised equipment has helped investigators examine how the documents were allegedly created and supplied to people involved in the sale of vehicles.

Nine cars and a two-wheeler recovered

Police have recovered nine cars and one two-wheeler, while the total number of vehicles linked to the operation has been reported as 10 high-end cars and a two-wheeler.

The vehicles are estimated to be worth around Rs 2 crore.

Investigators are examining the vehicles to determine their ownership, whether they were stolen or had outstanding loans, and how the allegedly forged documents were used to transfer or sell them.

A separate report on the investigation also said police had recovered 11 cars across related cases involving forged documents, indicating that investigators are examining whether the network extends beyond the three arrests in this particular case.

Racket allegedly targeted vehicle buyers

According to the police account, the alleged racket involved creating documents that could make vehicles appear legitimate during resale.

Fake RCs and bank NOCs can potentially make it difficult for prospective buyers to establish the actual ownership or financial status of a vehicle.

Police suspect that such documents were supplied to dealers who could then sell vehicles to customers who were unaware of the alleged forgery.

The investigation is expected to establish how many vehicles were sold using such documents and whether additional dealers or buyers were involved.

Complaint helped expose alleged fraud

The investigation began after the Wilson Garden resident questioned the authenticity of the RC supplied with the SUV.

The initial transaction reportedly involved an advance payment of Rs 20,000. The subsequent discovery that the document was allegedly fake led to the police complaint.

During questioning, police said Prabhakar allegedly disclosed information about the preparation and supply of forged RCs, bank NOCs and official seals.

Investigators then expanded the probe and recovered vehicles and document-making equipment.

Police investigate wider network

The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged vehicle document racket.

Police are examining the source of the vehicles, the people who prepared the documents and the dealers who may have handled the vehicles.

Investigators are also likely to verify the authenticity of ownership records and financial documents associated with the recovered cars.

The seizure of computers, printers, e-stamp papers and other materials could help police determine whether the accused maintained records of previous transactions.

Buyers advised to verify vehicle documents

The case also highlights the need for buyers to verify vehicle documents before purchasing used cars, particularly when transactions involve unusually low prices or private arrangements.

Prospective buyers can verify registration details and ownership information through official transport records and should ensure that financing or bank-related liabilities have been cleared before completing a transaction.

Physical inspection of documents alone may not always establish their authenticity if sophisticated forgeries are involved.

Investigation continues

With three people arrested, Wilson Garden police are continuing their probe into the alleged racket.

The recovered vehicles and documents are being examined as part of the investigation. Police are also looking into whether more people were involved in preparing or distributing the allegedly forged documents.

Further arrests could follow if investigators identify additional individuals connected with the alleged network.

The allegations against the arrested persons remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.

Conclusion

Wilson Garden police have arrested three people for allegedly forging RCs, bank NOCs and official seals and using the documents in connection with the sale of vehicles. Police have recovered high-end cars, a two-wheeler and equipment allegedly used to prepare counterfeit documents.

The investigation began after a Wilson Garden resident discovered that an RC provided with an SUV he was shown was allegedly fake. Police are now examining the recovered vehicles and documents to establish the extent of the alleged racket and identify any other people involved.