Video: Hyderabad doctor caught with BMW number plate switching device during drunk driving check

Hyderabad: A drunken driving check in Jubilee Hills led to the arrest of a doctor after police discovered his BMW was fitted with an illegal switch to change number plates at the press of a button.

Caught during a midnight drunk driving check

The incident occurred around 12:30 am on Saturday during a special weekend drunken driving drive on Road No. 1, Jubilee Hills. Traffic police intercepted a BMW car and found the driver, identified as Dr Gautham Reddy from Gandhinagar, under the influence of alcohol.

The driver refuses to cooperate

After being stopped, Goutham Reddy reportedly remained silent and refused to disclose his details despite repeated questioning by the police. His non-cooperative behaviour raised further suspicion among the officers on duty.

Vehicle seized, high BAC, non-cooperation raises suspicion

Upon verification using the chassis and engine numbers, police confirmed that the original registration number of the car was DL 6 CM 7079.

A breathalyser test revealed his Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) at 137 mg/100 ml, far above the permissible limit of 30 mg/100 ml.

Police said the doctor refused to cooperate or disclose details despite repeated questioning, prompting officers to seize the vehicle.

Flip mechanism revealed accidentally

The concealed modification came to light when a constable, attempting to access the vehicle, accidentally pressed a button near the driver’s seat. The front number plate flipped instantly, revealing a second registration number.

“While trying to unlock the vehicle, the button was pressed and the number plate changed. We realised it was a deliberate modification,” said Jubilee Hills Traffic Inspector N Ravinder.

The car initially displayed a Delhi registration (DL 6 CM 7079) before switching to a Telangana number (TS 9 FQ 9999).

Duplicate number traced to another BMW

Verification using chassis and engine details confirmed the Delhi registration as the original. During follow-up inquiries at the doctor’s residence, police found another BMW bearing the same Telangana registration number.

“The Telangana number plate belongs to a relative and was being used as a cover,” said Ravinder.

Device sourced online, fitted locally

"We suspect the modification was intended to evade road tax after the vehicle was brought from Delhi. The accused had come across such mechanisms on social media, ordered the device online, and got it installed at a car accessories shop in Madhapur," Traffic Inspector Ravinder said.

Case booked, probe on

A case has been registered against Dr Gautham Reddy for cheating, impersonation, tampering with vehicle registration, and violations under the Motor Vehicles Act, in addition to drunk driving.

Ravinder also said that a detailed probe is underway to trace the source of the device and examine the role of those involved in facilitating the illegal modification.