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Huge wheeler-deal in driving licences
An unscrupulous gang used sophisticated computer equipment to issue forged driving licences for all types of vehicles for a mere Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000, a CID investigation has revealed.

According to findings, among the beneficiaries were those who did not face a driving test or failed it. In addition, there were also those who did not know to drive or wanted the period of validity of their driving licences extended.
The modus operandi was to update expired driving licences, which are in card format similar to a credit card, using sophisticated computer equipment. The expired cards had been robbed after applicants surrendered them to seek renewals. The usual practice by the Department of Motor Traffic was to issue them new cards.

The issue of both new driving licence cards as well as ones containing extended terms of validity is carried out by a local firm. Its facilities are located inside the Department of Motor Traffic premises. CID detectives have found that without the knowledge of the firm in question, a security guard had charged one hundred rupees for every driving licence he sold to a gang operating from Piliyandala.

The gang in turn had used computer equipment to erase data on the card and introduce new names and other particulars. A new driving licence issued on that basis had been sold by the gang for Rs 10,000. In addition, various amounts had been charged for the extension of the period of validity.
CID detectives have arrested the members of the gang who were operating from a hideout in Piliyandala. They have also seized the computer equipment used in this racket.

The conclusion of the CID inquiry is being awaited by the Department of Motor Traffic to ascertain the volume of forged licences that have been circulated.

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