Fortuner ‘Hidden Number Plate’ Case: Pune Court Grants Bail To Vehicle Owner On Rs 25,000 Bond
Wakad, 11th September 2026: A Pune court has granted bail to Vijay Bhagwan Dagade, the accused in a case involving a Toyota Fortuner allegedly fitted with a mechanism capable of concealing its rear registration number.
Judicial Magistrate First Class Dipti D. Patil of Court No. 7, Pune, allowed Dagade’s bail application on September 10. The court directed him to execute a personal bond of ₹25,000 and furnish a surety of the same amount.
Dagade, a resident of Tathawade, is the registered owner and driver of the Toyota Fortuner bearing registration number MH 14 LN 4888.
Court Says Vehicle Already Seized
According to the bail order, the court found that Dagade’s continued physical custody was not required for the remaining investigation. It noted that the vehicle allegedly used in the offence had already been seized and concluded that keeping the accused in custody would serve no further purpose at this stage.
During the hearing, Dagade’s lawyer submitted that he was a first-time offender with no previous criminal antecedents and was prepared to comply with any conditions imposed by the court.
The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the alleged offences were serious. It expressed apprehension that, if released, the accused could commit a similar offence, threaten witnesses or attempt to influence them.
After considering the submissions and the material placed on record, the court granted bail with conditions.
Conditions Imposed By Court
Apart from the ₹25,000 personal bond and surety, the court directed Dagade to:
Cooperate with investigators whenever required
Refrain from tampering with prosecution witnesses
Avoid committing any offence in the future
Not directly or indirectly induce, threaten or make promises to anyone acquainted with the facts of the case
Case Registered After Video Surfaced
Wakad police registered Crime No. 530/2026 against Dagade on September 9 after a video of the Fortuner’s alleged number-plate concealment mechanism circulated on social media.
The footage appeared to show a flap or cover moving over the SUV’s rear registration plate while the vehicle was on the road, making the number difficult to read.
According to the FIR, the Fortuner had allegedly been modified with a mechanical system designed to cover its rear number plate. Police suspect that such a device could be used to prevent identification through speed cameras, e-challan systems and other traffic-enforcement mechanisms.
The case has been registered under Sections 336(3), 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with Section 198 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
RTO Action Preceded Criminal Investigation
Before the police case was registered, officials from the Pimpri-Chinchwad Regional Transport Office inspected the vehicle following the circulation of the video.
Officials reportedly found modifications and wiring associated with the number-plate covering system. The RTO also collected ₹4,500 from the driver as part of its action and sought a police inquiry into whether the vehicle had previously been connected with any criminal activity.
Publicly available traffic records and media reports had also indicated that dozens of challans were issued against the Fortuner, many reportedly involving overspeeding. However, the total number and outstanding amount varied across reports, and the Wakad police FIR did not specify the final amount.
Investigators are now examining why the alleged concealment mechanism was installed, how it was operated and whether it was used to evade traffic enforcement or in connection with any other offence. All allegations remain subject to investigation and adjudication by the court.
