TNR News Network
Nahan: In a major crackdown on illegal transportation, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) team in Sirmaur district on Sunday uncovered a shocking case of vehicle number duplication involving overloaded dumpers transporting mining material.
The operation was led by RTO officer Sona Chandel, who was en route to Shillai for a government event when she noticed suspicious activity on National Highway 7 near Bohliyon.
To her surprise, two dumpers bearing the same registration number — HR58C-0099 —were caught moving a short distance apart on the highway. Upon inspection, it was found that both vehicles were carrying mining material far beyond their permissible limit.
One dumper found carrying four different number plates
The real twist came when one of the dumpers was found carrying four different number plates, indicating a clear intent to deceive authorities and manipulate enforcement. Among the plates recovered were HR58D-3618, HR58E-7426 and HR58D-3366, apart from the duplicated HR58C-0099. This violation pointed towards a deeper nexus of rule-bending in the mining transport sector.
Instant penalty, police informed
Both vehicles were immediately fined on the spot for overloading and the matter has been referred to the local police for investigation. The authorities suspect a larger racket that involves tampering with registration numbers to dodge road safety, environmental and transport norms.
The RTO team continued their vigilance further down the route and took action in Paonta Sahib as well. Three more dumpers loaded beyond their permitted capacity were penalised. Additionally, five tractor-trailers carrying overloaded timber were also intercepted.
