Traffic Challan Helps Youth Recover Stolen Bike in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In an unusual yet fortunate turn of events, a youth in Bhubaneswar managed to recover his stolen two-wheeler within an hour, thanks to an automated traffic challan issued by the Odisha Motor Vehicles Department.

The incident took place on April 15 when the youth had parked his two-wheeler, bearing registration number OD02 Q7841, near Mullapadia playground in the Old Town area around 12:10 PM to play cricket. Upon returning after an hour, he found the vehicle missing and, after a failed search and CCTV review, filed a complaint at Lingaraj Police Station with the help of his family.

Unexpectedly, within an hour of the theft, the owner received a message from the Motor Vehicles Department with a challan for riding without a helmet. The message also included a photograph of the offender riding the stolen vehicle.

The youth immediately shared the photo with the police, who acted swiftly and tracked the vehicle to Athagarh. The accused was apprehended, and the stolen two-wheeler was recovered.

Following the completion of formalities at Lingaraj Police Station, the vehicle was handed back to its rightful owner. The swift action by Commissionerate Police and the timely digital alert played a crucial role in solving the case within hours.