Lucknow. The Special Task Force has uncovered an alleged racket that used fake vehicle numbers and forged documents to create FASTags and evade toll payments and online traffic challans. According to investigators, the gang used FASTags linked to fake registration numbers to take overloaded vehicles through toll plazas. If the vehicles were stopped for inspection by police or transport department teams, drivers allegedly showed slips carrying the fake registration number. Any online challan generated during such checks was also allegedly registered against the vehicle associated with the fake number instead of the actual vehicle. This allegedly allowed the gang to cause losses to government revenue while helping the actual vehicle owner and driver avoid enforcement action. The STF has arrested Munish in the case, while his alleged associates Riyaz and Siraj are being searched for.
According to the STF, a case was registered at Sarojini Nagar police station following a complaint by the Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Lucknow South. The investigation was subsequently handed over to the STF. During the probe, investigators found the alleged involvement of Riyaz, the registered owner of vehicle number UP 32 ZN 8925, and his brother Siraj. Police said the two had allegedly been carrying out the operation since 2024.
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The investigation revealed that Siraj allegedly contacted a FASTag agent of IndusInd Bank near the Khairabad toll plaza in Sitapur. He allegedly used a driving licence, mobile number and forged registration certificate to obtain a FASTag carrying the number MA 34 S 9455. This created a mismatch between the actual registration number of the vehicle and the number linked to the FASTag. Investigators suspect that the gang exploited this discrepancy to avoid toll and traffic enforcement.
When the vehicle was stopped by police or Regional Transport Office teams on the road, the driver allegedly produced a slip carrying the fake registration number. Officials said that if an online challan was issued, it would be registered in the name of the vehicle associated with the fake number. This allegedly reduced the chances of enforcement action reaching the actual vehicle owner and driver. The driver reportedly used the same fake-number slip when the vehicle was stopped by the transport authorities.
FASTag Was Not Affixed to the Vehicle
The STF investigation also revealed the alleged method used to operate the FASTag. Instead of affixing the tag to the vehicle’s windscreen, the gang allegedly kept it hidden inside the vehicle. When an overloaded vehicle carrying sand reached a toll plaza, the driver would reportedly take out the FASTag and show it manually to complete the toll process before proceeding. After crossing the toll plaza, the tag was allegedly hidden inside the vehicle again. This ensured that the actual registration number displayed on the vehicle remained different from the number associated with the FASTag.
Driver Allegedly Paid ₹1,500 Per Trip
During questioning, Munish allegedly told investigators that he drove the vehicle belonging to Riyaz and Siraj. He was allegedly paid ₹1,500 for every trip. According to the STF, the gang had been using this method to move overloaded vehicles through toll plazas and allegedly cause significant losses to government revenue.
Investigators are examining the documents allegedly used to obtain the fake FASTag, the process through which it was issued and the roles of other people who may have been connected to the network. Police are also looking into whether additional vehicles were operated using similar methods.
Munish was produced before a court after his arrest and was subsequently sent to jail. The STF is continuing its search for Riyaz, Siraj and other people allegedly linked to the network. Investigators said further action will be taken on the basis of evidence gathered during the probe, including digital records, documents and information related to the FASTag and vehicle transactions.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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