Surat, Gujarat: Police in Gujarat’s Surat district have uncovered a major fake RTO challan racket in which forged traffic penalty receipts and fabricated official documents were allegedly used to secure the release of more than 60 seized vehicles. Three accused have been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators say the fraud caused an estimated loss of ₹518,500 to the government treasury.
According to police, the accused created counterfeit traffic challans and payment receipts that closely resembled genuine documents issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). They allegedly forged the signatures and official seals of RTO officers and employees to make the fake documents appear authentic.
Investigators said the gang primarily targeted owners of vehicles that had been seized for traffic violations or other offences. Posing as authorised RTO agents, the accused allegedly approached vehicle owners and promised to secure the release of their vehicles quickly and at a lower cost.
Police alleged that the suspects collected the penalty amount from vehicle owners but did not deposit the money with the government. Instead, they handed over forged payment receipts, which vehicle owners presented at police stations to obtain the release of their seized vehicles. As a result, official records continued to show the penalties as unpaid while the accused allegedly retained the money.
The racket came to light when an individual arrived at the Kadodara Police Station with a suspected fake receipt to reclaim a seized vehicle. A police officer on duty noticed discrepancies in the document, prompting a detailed verification. The subsequent investigation revealed forged signatures, counterfeit seals and fabricated payment receipts.
During the investigation, police identified and arrested three suspects: Mohsin Redimani of the Madina Masjid area in Limbayat, Akbar Sheikh of Akbar Nagar, Limbayat, and Sunil Sharma of Chhapra Bhatha in Amroli, Surat. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the full extent of the operation.
According to investigators, the accused claimed to be agents associated with the Pal RTO office and gained the confidence of vehicle owners by offering quick and inexpensive assistance in securing the release of seized vehicles. Police believe the gang used this method to deceive a large number of people.
Investigating agencies are now examining how long the racket had been operating and whether additional individuals were involved. Police are analysing the accused’s mobile phone records, financial transactions, contacts and the methods used to prepare the forged documents.
According to experts at the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), fraud involving counterfeit government documents and payment receipts often exploits people’s urgency and limited understanding of official procedures. They advise citizens to pay government fines and fees only through authorised portals or officially designated payment channels.
Experts also recommend verifying the identity and credentials of anyone claiming to act as an agent for RTO, banking, insurance or other government services before making any payment. They stress that stronger digital verification systems and systematic record validation are essential to prevent fraud involving forged receipts and counterfeit official documents.
Police are continuing to interrogate the arrested suspects while expanding the investigation to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the operation. Authorities believe the probe could uncover additional fake RTO challan cases and reveal a wider network behind the alleged fraud.
