New Delhi: With stricter enforcement of pollution control rules in the capital, a new layer of fraud has emerged involving fake Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC). Following the recent restriction on fuel supply to vehicles without valid PUCC, a well-organized racket has reportedly started issuing fake certificates to vehicles that fail emission tests, allegedly using centers based in Haryana.
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According to transport associations and preliminary complaints, vehicles that fail pollution tests in Delhi are being rerouted through middlemen who facilitate the creation of fake PUCC documents. The entire process is being carried out through WhatsApp communication, raising serious concerns over digital misuse and regulatory loopholes.
WhatsApp Brokers and Haryana Centres Under Lens
Reports suggest that vehicle owners whose vehicles fail emission norms send images of their number plates to brokers via WhatsApp. These brokers then coordinate with certain PUC centers in Haryana and, in some cases, manipulate the process by using other vehicles for testing while retaining the original registration details. In many instances, no actual physical inspection of the concerned vehicle is carried out.
Investigators believe that photographs and videos of unrelated vehicles are being used to complete the formalities, while PUCC certificates are issued based on manipulated records. In several cases, the certificates are digitally edited to reflect Delhi-based testing centers, even though the actual issuance is taking place outside the capital. This makes it difficult for ordinary citizens and even enforcement systems to detect the fraud easily.
Petrol Dealers Flag Dozens of Suspected Cases
The Delhi Petrol Dealers Association has raised serious concerns over this growing malpractice. The association claims that nearly 40 to 45 such cases have already been identified in the past month alone. Formal complaints have been submitted to the Delhi Transport Department, the Chief Minister’s office, and the Lieutenant Governor, demanding strict investigation and action against those involved.
Officials associated with the association stated that copies of suspected fake certificates have also been shared with authorities. They warned that such activities not only violate transport regulations but could also undermine the capital’s efforts to control air pollution, which remains a major public health concern.
Double Fees and Edited PDFs Used to Bypass Checks
The scam reportedly begins when vehicle owners, unable to obtain valid PUCC due to failed emission tests, contact brokers who promise certification at double the normal fee. These brokers then forward the vehicle details to certain operators in Haryana. Instead of testing the actual vehicle, they reportedly use another compliant vehicle for emission testing while transferring the registration details of the original vehicle.
In some cases where concealment is required, the PDF certificates are allegedly edited using digital tools to change the location of the testing centre to Delhi, making the document appear legitimate. These forged certificates are then uploaded onto official vehicle compliance portals, giving them an appearance of authenticity.
Regulators May Tighten Interstate Verification
Transport and environmental experts have expressed serious concern over the issue, stating that such fraudulent practices could severely weaken pollution control efforts in the National Capital Region. They warned that allowing high-emission vehicles to remain on the road using fake certification could worsen air quality and defeat the purpose of stricter fuel regulations.
Authorities are now expected to intensify scrutiny of PUCC issuance systems and cross-check data between states to identify irregularities. Digital audit mechanisms and verification of testing centre codes are likely to be strengthened to prevent misuse of inter-state certification loopholes
