India, April 20 -- In a first, the Vasai-Virar traffic police have decided to auction 930 impounded vehicles online after their owners failed to claim them despite repeated notices. The vehicles, including over 120 seized in the past year, were picked up for being abandoned on roads and obstructing traffic across the region.

Officials said the move aims to tackle growing congestion and safety concerns caused by such vehicles. Apart from choking roads, these vehicles also pose risks of misuse for illegal activities. Many have been lying unattended for years, with locals reporting children playing in and around them, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

The traffic police had earlier faced hurdles in removing these vehicles due ...