Colva police inspect a Maharashtra-registered Thar at the beach square after residents complained about an improper number plate.
MARGAO
Another Thar jeep came under the scanner of locals and law enforcement personnel, this time at Colva on Sunday night, after a Maharashtra-registered vehicle was allegedly found displaying an improper number plate and using tinted window glass in violation of traffic regulations.
The incident unfolded near the Colva beach square when the Thar reportedly sped past a local resident close to the Colva circle, drawing attention from nearby youngsters. Suspecting irregularities, some locals followed the vehicle and later located it parked in the area. Although no occupants were present at the time, they noticed that the registration number on the vehicle was written in Marathi script and that the vehicle had tinted windows.
With Thar vehicles, including rent-a-cab vehicles, having figured in a spate of road accidents in recent days, the discovery prompted locals to alert the police and seek details about the vehicle and its occupants.
When the occupants eventually returned, they were confronted by residents, who questioned the use of a number plate in Marathi and argued that it would make it difficult for locals to note down the registration number in the event of an accident or traffic violation.
According to locals present at the scene, the occupants claimed they had already paid a fine at the state border check post for displaying an improper number plate and were prepared to pay another fine if required.
Residents, however, urged the police to impound the vehicle and conduct a thorough inquiry into the movements of its occupants.
Police later issued a challan of Rs 1,000 — Rs 500 each for improper display of the number plate and use of tinted glass — against the vehicle for displaying an improper number plate and using tinted glass, both of which are violations of traffic rules.
