Hyderabad Police tighten checks on used vehicle dealers

Hyderabad Police have intensified inspections of the used vehicle market after Operation Kavach reportedly uncovered several violations. Commissioner CV Sajjanar warned dealers and buyers to follow legal procedures and cautioned against odometer tampering, fraudulent advertisements and illegal vehicle transactions.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police have stepped up scrutiny of the second-hand and used vehicle market following recent ‘Operation Kavach’ inspections, which reportedly uncovered widespread violations by used vehicle dealers.

City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar on Monday issued an advisory warning dealers and buyers to strictly comply with legal norms governing vehicle transactions.

---

According to the advisory, vehicle dealers were asked to verify the identity of sellers, confirm ownership records, check vehicle status through the ‘Vahan’ portal and ensure there are no pending challans, taxes, loans or legal encumbrances before completing transactions.

The Commissioner also warned against odometer tampering and alteration of engine or chassis numbers, stating that such acts attract criminal prosecution under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and motor vehicle laws.

Sajjanar said vehicles with tampered or missing identification numbers would be treated as suspected stolen property and seized immediately. Dealers involved in illegal transactions could face criminal cases, licence cancellation and other legal action.

The Commissioner further cautioned against misleading online advertisements featuring false vehicle details or manipulated photographs.

Hyderabad Police said surprise inspections would continue across the city and requested dealers and citizens to cooperate in efforts to curb vehicle-related fraud and the circulation of stolen vehicles.