Five individuals, including an agent from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), were arrested in Surat for their involvement in selling fake smart card registration certificate (RC) books for second-hand vehicles, according to crime branch officials. The police seized 370 counterfeit RC books from their possession during the operation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Jitendra Patel (60), an RTO agent, and his associates Ankit Vaghasiya (31), Savji Dabhi (64), Ashok Kachhadiya (38), and Satish Jilla (38). The group was allegedly involved in producing and selling fake RC books to people buying second-hand cars, aiding in the fraudulent transfer of vehicle ownership.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the scam, and additional arrests may follow. The police urge buyers of second-hand vehicles to verify the authenticity of their RC books and other documents to avoid falling victim to similar frauds.