Only 70 of the vehicles seized in Akola returned to owners, who wait even after paying fines

Police and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Akola have seized a large number of vehicles for breaking traffic rules, incomplete papers and other reasons. Only 70 of them have so far been returned to their rightful owners.

Four-wheelers, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and heavy vehicles are lying seized at every police station in the city, at the city traffic police, the RTO and the Superintendent of Police's office. Owners face needless trouble in getting them released, either because they lack the vehicle's papers or because of court procedure. Often, unable to produce the papers, owners see their vehicles gather dust and eventually end up as scrap.

When police seize a vehicle, they first draw up a panchnama and record an entry. The owner must then submit the required documents to get the vehicle released.

The documents, including the registration certificate (RC), insurance and a valid driving licence, are checked. Once the fine or fee in the case is paid, the process of releasing the vehicle begins. Even so, paying the fine alone does not mean the vehicle is released immediately in every case. If a crime or court case is pending against a vehicle, an order from the court concerned is required. The process can also stall if the owner is not present or the papers are incomplete.

Seized vehicles live under the threat of auction. Many are seized in connection with a crime, while some are stolen vehicles. A court order is crucial for releasing vehicles used in a crime. If police recover a stolen vehicle, the owner must complete the papers and present it in court. Vehicles held at the police station concerned have to be released on the court's order. The auction of seized vehicles is held after at least one year.