In a major crackdown, the Surat Police Special Operations Group (SOG) has busted a significant fake learning licence racket operating in the Kapodra area. The operation was carried out on April 11, 2026, exposing a well-organized gang involved in issuing forged driving licences by promising to bypass official RTO procedures.
The accused allegedly targeted citizens looking for shortcuts to obtain licences without undergoing mandatory driving tests. This Surat Fake Learning Licence Racket 2026 has raised concerns about digital fraud in government documentation.
How the Fake Licence Racket Operated
The gang used a deceptive system that combined digital manipulation with psychological tactics to gain victims’ trust.
Bypassing Official RTO Process
The accused promised applicants that they could obtain a learning licence without appearing for official tests. Instead of completing the legal process through the Parivahan system, they created forged documents.
Use of Digital Platforms for Fraud
To make their operations look legitimate, the gang collected victim details through WhatsApp, triggered official OTPs via the m-Parivahan app, and gained trust by simulating real government procedures. Once victims shared the OTP, they believed the process was genuine.
Fake PDF Licence Generation
Instead of completing the actual application, the accused generated fake PDF licences using document-editing software. They often reused the same QR code across multiple licences. Only personal details and photographs were modified. This method allowed them to create multiple forged licences quickly.
Accused Arrested in the Case
During a raid at a residential location in the Mansukhnagar area, police arrested four individuals involved in the Kapodra fraud racket.
- Prajesh Maniya (26), resident of Kamrej – Responsible for creating fake PDF licences using document-editing tools like WPS Office
- Dharmendra Shekhadiya (37), resident of Mota Varachha – Initiated applications on the official Parivahan portal to build trust before switching to fake processing
- Praful Gajera (35), resident of Varachha – Acted as a lead generator, bringing in potential victims
- Ravi Gangadiya (35), resident of Varachha – Assisted in sourcing clients and collecting documents
Pricing and Target Victims
The gang specifically targeted individuals unfamiliar with the digital RTO process and people seeking quick licences without taking tests.
Victims were charged between ₹7,000 and ₹10,000 per licence, making the scam financially attractive for the accused.
Investigation Findings and Evidence
The investigation revealed the scale and method of the operation through recovered materials and digital proof.
Number of Victims
Police estimate that more than 50 individuals were cheated by this fake licence scam Surat.
Seized Materials
Authorities recovered 16 forged licences, four mobile phones, and multiple digital devices used for document creation. These items are expected to play a crucial role in further investigation.
Legal Action Against the Accused
All accused have been booked under sections related to cheating and forgery of government documents. This includes provisions under Section 316(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The case is currently under investigation, and further legal proceedings are expected.
Public Advisory Issued by Police
Following the bust, the Surat Police has issued a strong advisory for citizens.
People are urged to use only the official Parivahan Seva portal, avoid agents promising shortcuts, and complete all licensing procedures through authorized RTO offices. This RTO licence fraud Gujarat advisory aims to prevent further cases of fraud and protect citizens from similar scams.
Conclusion
The exposure of this fake learning licence racket highlights the growing misuse of digital tools for fraudulent activities. By combining technical manipulation with false promises, the accused managed to deceive multiple victims.
However, swift action by Surat Police has brought the operation to light, reinforcing the importance of using only official government channels for essential services like driving licences.
Citizens are advised to remain cautious and verify all processes through official platforms to avoid falling victim to such scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What was the Surat fake learning licence racket?
A1. It was a well-organized gang operating in Kapodra that issued forged driving licences by promising to bypass official RTO procedures, cheating over 50 victims.
Q2. How did the fake licence racket operate?
A2. The gang collected victim details through WhatsApp, triggered official OTPs via m-Parivahan app to gain trust, and generated fake PDF licences using document-editing software, often reusing the same QR code.
Q3. Who were the accused arrested in the case?
A3. Four individuals were arrested: Prajesh Maniya (fake PDF creator), Dharmendra Shekhadiya (portal initiator), Praful Gajera (lead generator), and Ravi Gangadiya (client sourcing).
Q4. How much did victims pay for fake licences?
A4. Victims were charged between ₹7,000 and ₹10,000 per licence.
Q5. What advisory has Surat Police issued for citizens?
A5. Citizens are urged to use only the official Parivahan Seva portal, avoid agents promising shortcuts, and complete all licensing procedures through authorized RTO offices.