LUCKNOW, April 10 -- Fake vehicle numbers and non-existent state codes on toll receipts were key elements of a major transport fraud in Lucknow involving overloaded trucks fitted with High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), officials have found. Many of these trucks originated from mining belts and used the false details to evade hefty penalties.

The irregularity surfaced after the transport department scrutinised toll data from January and February, particularly from the Itaunja and Nawabganj toll plazas, and found widespread discrepancies in registration details of overloaded vehicles.

ARTO (Enforcement) Alok Kumar Yadav said many toll receipts carried non-existent state codes such as "MA" and "MT", which are not recognised vehicle ...