Ranchi: A growing trend of vehicle number plate tampering is raising serious concerns in the state capital. Across Ranchi, particularly among the youth, altering or hiding license plates has become increasingly common. From covering digits with black tape to modifying numbers or even removing plates entirely, the aim is often to evade detection by traffic signal cameras and avoid e-challans.
On an average day, 10 to 20 such vehicles with altered or obscured plates can be spotted across the city. More alarming is the fact that this practice isn’t limited to the general public. Even some police personnel—tasked with upholding the law—have been found violating traffic rules. Instances of police officers riding motorcycles with tampered number plates have raised questions about accountability and public trust.
What started as a tactic to dodge traffic fines is now reportedly being adopted by criminals. Tampered plates are increasingly used in crimes such as theft, robbery, and snatching. These vehicles become difficult to trace after an incident, often leaving law enforcement agencies without concrete leads. In many cases, culprits have managed to flee crime scenes undetected due to the anonymity provided by altered plates.
Experts warn that unless the administration takes decisive action, such incidents could escalate into a larger law and order issue. Token fines and paper-based enforcement will not suffice. What’s needed is a rigorous on-ground crackdown, sustained vehicle inspections, and swift legal action against offenders.
The bigger question now is how Ranchi’s traffic police and district administration will respond. Without urgent and firm action, the city’s streets could increasingly become a safe haven for those looking to operate outside the bounds of the law.