Duplicate Number Plate Mystery in Jamshedpur: Two Maruti Dzire Cars Found Using Same Registration Number

Jamshedpur: A startling discovery of suspected vehicle cloning has sent shockwaves through the Mango area of Jamshedpur after two Maruti Dzire cars—one blue and one white—were found operating with the same registration number, JH05CM 0742.

The discrepancy was uncovered on Wednesday morning near Chepapul by a local driver, Arbaaz, who was stunned to see a white vehicle mirroring the license plate of the blue Dzire he was operating for owner Mubrak Ali. While the white “phantom” car managed to speed away toward Pardih before it could be intercepted, the incident has prompted a formal police complaint at Azadnagar Police Station.

Jamshedpur SSP Piyush Pandey has said that the matter will be investigated. Police officials said that a probe is underway to trace the cloned vehicle, warning that such duplication is a serious criminal offense often used to mask illegal activities or evade traffic penalties.

According to information received, Arbaaz, the driver of Mubrak Ali, a resident of Road No. 17, Jawaharnagar, Mango, was on his way to pick up a blue-coloured Maruti Dzire when he was startled to spot a white-coloured Maruti Dzire ahead of him at Chepapul, carrying the same registration number—JH05CM 0742.

Realising the seriousness of the matter, Arbaaz immediately attempted to stop the white car to question the driver. However, before he could intercept it, the driver of the white Dzire sped away from Chepapul towards Pardih, avoiding confrontation.

Photographs available from the scene clearly show both vehicles—a blue Maruti Suzuki Dzire and a white Maruti Suzuki Dzire—displaying the identical registration number. The development has triggered suspicion of number plate duplication, a practice often linked to vehicle cloning, illegal activities, or attempts to evade law enforcement and traffic penalties.

Fearing misuse of his car’s registration number, Mubrak Ali has filed a complaint at Azadnagar Police Station in Mango. Jamshedpur SSP Piyush Pandey said that the police will probe the matter and take appropriate action against those found guilty.

Vehicle cloning involves copying the registration number of a legally registered vehicle and using it on another car of a similar make or model. Such cases can create severe legal complications for the original vehicle owner, including wrongful traffic challans, criminal liability, or involvement in unlawful activities without their knowledge.

Residents have expressed concern over the incident and demanded an immediate police investigation to verify the authenticity of both vehicles and identify the vehicle using the allegedly fake number plate. Authorities are expected to examine registration records, chassis numbers, and CCTV footage from Chepapul and Pardih to trace the white car.

The incident has highlighted the need for stricter monitoring and verification mechanisms to curb rising cases of duplicate number plates and ensure road safety in the city.