Identical High Security Registration Plates in 10 minutes, no checks:Bhaskar sting exposes fake plate makers, claim to work daily without documents

Madhya Pradesh RTO has introduced High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), to prevent vehicle theft and curb crime, but they are being openly counterfeited across the state.
In an investigation by the Dainik Bhaskar, it has been uncovered that fake HSRPs—almost identical to the originals—are being manufactured and installed within minutes, without documents or verification. What’s more alarming is that, along with roadside vendors, even RTO staff are found misleading people, indirectly pushing them towards illegal options. Since April 1, 2019, HSRP has been mandatory for all new vehicles and later extended to old vehicles as well. In Madhya Pradesh, HSRPs can legally be obtained only through the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) portal – siam.in. The Transport Department has not authorised any private vendor, yet fake HSRPs are being sold freely in markets, with no effective action or advisory from authorities. How is this whole system running? To understand this, Bhaskar investigated for a week. And captured fake plate makers, brokers, and misleading RTO employees on a hidden camera, and also spoke to transport department officials. Read the report… Why Bhaskar investigated The investigation began after police in Multai, Betul district, seized a dumper with an MP registration number (MP 48 ZD 2340). During inquiry, its original number was found to be from Uttar Pradesh (UP 93 BT 0325). The chassis number had been erased and replaced to sell the stolen vehicle—clearly showing how fake number plates help criminals. How the investigation Was Conducted Bhaskar’s team examined the system at three levels: Hidden cameras were used to document the process. Sting operation 1: “Looking at it, you won’t know it’s fake” The team reached a lane in MP Nagar known for number plate work. As soon as the car stopped, a vendor named Harish approached. (Showing another plate) “This was made just now. The only difference is that there’s no laser serial number. Everything else is the same. Send the details on WhatsApp, I’ll make it hand-to-hand. If you do it today, give me Rs 400.” Harish agreed to make a perfect-looking HSRP without asking for a single document. Sting operation 2: Copy vs ‘Original’ At another shop, the reporter met Prem Rajput. Sting operation 3: Fake HSRP installed on reporter’s car for ₹600 To gather direct evidence, the team reached Angel Graphics, where they met Rahul Sahu. Rahul did not ask for the RC or any document. He made the plate in front of the reporter, pasted a fake hologram, and installed it on the car within 20 minutes—charging ₹600. When RTO staff suggest ‘adjustments’ At Bhopal RTO, Counter No. 2, staff member Renu Mahajan misled the reporter while explaining the process. She herself could not clearly tell which portal was official and indirectly endorsed outside vendors. Agents outside RTO offices Outside the RTO, agents openly operate. One such agent, Syed Faizal Ali, claimed he could manage everything. Online fraud: Fake HSRP portals The scam is also running online. In Madhya Pradesh, BookMyHSRP.com is not valid. Only SIAM’s official portal is authorized. Bhaskar found these fake websites cheating people in the name of HSRP: No solution for old vehicles, no action against fakes For vehicles whose original showrooms have shut down, there is no clear government solution, forcing people to opt for fake HSRPs. Despite open violations, the Transport Department has neither cracked down on illegal vendors nor issued a strong public advisory. HSRP installation a challenge for vehicles of defunct companies Installing High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) has become a major problem for owners of vehicles manufactured by companies that have shut operations in India. In Bhopal alone, around 2,000 vehicle owners belonging to nine defunct manufacturers, including Fiat, Mitsubishi and Punjab Tractors, are facing difficulties. Since these companies are no longer operational, their vehicles cannot be booked on the official HSRP portal. As per existing rules, an agreement between the vehicle manufacturer and the authorized plate manufacturer is mandatory for issuing HSRPs. This regulatory gap is now being exploited by fake plate manufacturers, who are openly selling counterfeit plates to helpless vehicle owners. Fake HSRPs will not reflect on transport portal: Commissioner Speaking to Bhaskar, Madhya Pradesh Transport Commissioner Vivek Sharma emphasized the importance of HSRP and clarified the legal process. He said that for all vehicles sold after April 1, 2019, the responsibility of installing HSRP lies with the dealer at the time of sale. For vehicles registered before this date, owners must apply online through the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) portal to get HSRP installed. Responding to queries about the fake HSRP business flourishing in markets, Sharma said that only the SIAM portal (https://www.siam.in/
) is authorized for HSRP booking in Madhya Pradesh. “Any HSRP installed through the authorized portal is reflected online and can be verified on the mParivahan app. If someone installs a fake plate from the market, it may be fixed on the vehicle, but there will be no official digital record of it,” he said. ‘Install first, update later’ is a fraud The Transport Commissioner further explained that genuine HSRPs carry laser-etched identification codes, which are issued only to authorized vendors. “If anyone claims that they will install the plate first and get it updated online later, they are misleading you. Such a process is not possible,” Sharma clarified. ₹5,500 fine for using fake or non-compliant number plates Deepesh Joshi, senior advocate and Motor Vehicles Act expert from Madhya Pradesh, said that the law provides for a fine of up to ₹5,500 for using a fake number plate or violating HSRP norms. He explained that earlier number plates were frequently misused for fraud and criminal activities, prompting the government to mandate HSRPs. “There are two major advantages of HSRP. First, it cannot be manufactured or installed by just anyone. Second, it comes with a snap-lock mechanism, which means only authorized personnel can install it. If someone tries to remove it, the plate breaks, making tampering impossible,” Joshi said.