Punjab Govt Denies Link to Seized Car in Delhi, Calls It a ‘Political Gimmick’

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Punjab Govt Denies Link to Seized Car in Delhi, Calls It a ‘Political Gimmick’

Friday, 31 January 2025 | PNS | Chandigarh/New Delhi

Punjab Government has strongly refuted allegations linking it to a car seized by Delhi Police near Punjab Bhavan, calling the controversy a “deliberate political gimmick” ahead of the Delhi elections. The vehicle, which reportedly bore a “Punjab Sarkar” (Punjab Government) sticker in Punjabi, was found with Rs 10 lakh in unaccounted cash, liquor bottles, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) campaign material on late Wednesday night. However, Punjab’s Transport Department categorically denied any connection, asserting that the “number plate was forged” and that the car in question is “not registered with the State Government”. 

 

“This is a clear case of fraud. The vehicle seized by Delhi Police does not belong to the Punjab Government in any capacity. The number plate used is fake, and our records confirm that the registration belongs to a different car — an entirely different make and model, owned by a Maharashtra resident. It is evident that someone deliberately attempted to malign our Government by using a forged plate and sticker,” said an official spokesperson from Punjab’s Transport Department in a statement issued late Wednesday night. 

 

Delhi Police released a video late Wednesday night showing the seized Hyundai Creta with a Punjab Government sticker, fueling speculation of a potential election code violation. The police alleged that the vehicle was being used for illicit activities, triggering a political storm. 

 

However, Punjab officials were quick to counter the narrative, providing evidence that the registration number PB35AE1342 actually belongs to a Ford EcoSport (2018 model), owned by Major Anubhav Shivpuri, a permanent resident of Khadki, Maharashtra, who was posted at Army Dental College, Pathankot, three years ago. Officials further pointed out that the seized Hyundai Creta’s registration plate lacked the mandatory High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) features, making it easier to forge.

 

“This confirms that the number plate is fraudulent. A detailed search of Punjab Government records shows that no such vehicle is owned, hired, or associated with us. This is an orchestrated attempt to spread misinformation and mislead the public,” added the government’s statement.

 

With elections in Delhi fast approaching, the controversy has taken a political turn. While AAP leaders dismissed the allegations as a BJP-led conspiracy, opposition parties demanded a high-level probe. 

 

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hit back at political opponents, stating, “This is a desperate attempt to tarnish our government’s image. The truth is out — this vehicle has no link to us. Those resorting to such dirty tricks are only proving their fear of losing,” he said.

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