LUCKNOW: India fast bowler Akash Deep has landed in controversy off the pitch after the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department issued him a notice for allegedly using a vehicle without proper registration and a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP).
Dealer suspended over irregularities
The case also involves M/s Sunny Motors, a Chinhat-based dealership, which has been suspended for a month for delivering the cricketer’s new black Toyota Fortuner without completing mandatory registration or fitting the HSRP. Officials allege the dealer handed over the SUV before road tax payment and registration, in violation of Rule 44 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The dealership has been given 14 days to submit a valid explanation or risk cancellation of its trade certificate.
According to the department’s preliminary investigation, the sale invoice for the vehicle was issued on 7 August 2025 and insurance completed a day later. However, road tax was not paid, and registration was incomplete when the vehicle was found in use.
Personal milestone overshadowed
The 27-year-old pacer, fresh from India’s 2-1 Test series draw in England, had recently celebrated purchasing the Fortuner, posting a photo with his family on Instagram captioned, “Dream delivered. Keys received. With the ones who matter most.” The top variant of the black Toyota Fortuner is priced at over ₹62 lakh, according to CarDekho. India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav was among those congratulating him online.
Transport Department’s warning to Akash Deep
Akash Deep has been served with a Vehicle Use Prohibition Notice under Sections 39, 41(6) and 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. He has been instructed not to drive the SUV until registration, fitting of HSRP and Third Registration Mark, and valid insurance are completed. If he is found violating the order, the vehicle will be seized, and prosecution will follow.
Emphasis on celebrity responsibility
The department reiterated that under Section 39 of the Motor Vehicles Act, no vehicle can be used on public roads without proper registration and display of the registration mark. Officials stressed that public figures’ actions have a wide social impact, and violations send the wrong message. Swift and strict action, they said, was necessary to promote compliance and road safety.
On-field performance still shining
Despite the controversy, Akash Deep’s cricketing form remains a talking point. In the England series, he took 13 wickets in three Tests, becoming only the second Indian bowler after Chetan Sharma in 1986 to claim 10 wickets in a Test match in England. He also scored his maiden half-century — a 66-run knock as a nightwatchman at The Oval — in a 107-run partnership with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.