Bareilly Police Nab Two for Using Counterfeit MLA Passes on Vehicles
In a significant crackdown ahead of Republic Day, Bareilly police arrested two individuals on Sunday for allegedly utilizing forged MLA and Vidhan Sabha secretariat passes on their vehicles. The arrests were executed as part of an extensive security operation at toll plazas along the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, aimed at enhancing vigilance during the national celebration period.
Details of the Arrests and Vehicle Seizures
During the security drive, police intercepted two vehicles displaying suspicious credentials. The first vehicle, a black Thar SUV with tinted windows, was driven by Manoj Kumar, a 24-year-old resident of Balrampur Kheda in Partapur. The second vehicle, an Innova, was operated by Utkarsh, also 24, hailing from Rampur Pawti in Jani. Upon inspection, authorities discovered that both vehicles were equipped with counterfeit 'MLA' passes, tampered registration plates, unauthorized tinted windows, and illegal red-blue beacon lights.
The vehicles were immediately seized, and separate First Information Reports (FIRs) were lodged at the Partapur police station. The charges filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertain to forgery and the fraudulent use of fabricated documents, highlighting the seriousness of the offenses.
Police Investigation and Broader Security Drive Findings
Meerut DIG/SSP Vipin Tada, who oversaw the checking operation near the Kashi Toll Plaza, provided insights into the case. "A preliminary inquiry has indicated that the accused employed these forged passes and stickers to create an illusion of influence, thereby evading toll payments and circumventing police checks," Tada stated. This tactic not only facilitated financial avoidance but also posed potential security risks by misleading law enforcement.
The security initiative yielded extensive results beyond this particular incident. Police reported multiple other violations during the drive, including instances of overspeeding and rash driving. Across Meerut district, a total of 43 cases were registered, six vehicles were confiscated, and 215 challans were issued, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the enforcement efforts.
Context and Implications of the Arrests
This incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating document forgery and impersonation, especially during high-security periods like Republic Day. The use of fake MLA passes not only undermines public trust but also compromises security protocols designed to safeguard national events.
The arrests serve as a stern warning against such fraudulent practices, emphasizing the vigilance of law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh. As investigations continue, police are likely to delve deeper into the origins of the forged documents and any potential networks involved in their distribution.
