Panaji:
RTI activist Sudip Narayan Tamankar has filed a formal complaint at the Panaji Police Station seeking criminal action against the Managing Director/Business Head of Bavaria Motors, a dealer for BMW vehicles in Verna, in connection with a recent fatal road accident in Dona Paula.

In his complaint dated April 8, 2026, Tamankar alleged that the vehicle involved in the accident—which claimed the life of a 23-year-old woman and seriously injured a 26-year-old man—was being operated using a trade certificate, reportedly by a private individual rather than an authorised dealer representative.

Alleged Violation of Motor Vehicle Rules

Tamankar pointed out that trade certificates are issued strictly to authorised dealers for limited purposes such as transporting vehicles from yards to showrooms or for registration processes. He alleged that allowing a private individual to use such a vehicle on public roads violates provisions of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.

He further stated that under Rule 42, a dealer is prohibited from delivering a vehicle to a purchaser without proper registration—either temporary or permanent—and without a High Security Registration Plate (HSRP).

Dealer May Be Treated as Deemed Owner

Citing a ruling of the Madras High Court, the complaint claims that if a vehicle is used improperly under a trade certificate, the dealer could be treated as the “deemed owner.” In such circumstances, liability may extend to the dealer for offences including culpable homicide.

Demand for FIR and Criminal Action

Tamankar has alleged that the dealership knowingly allowed the vehicle to be used without registration and in violation of legal provisions, amounting to gross negligence and possible criminal conspiracy.

He has urged the police to:

Register an FIR against the concerned officials of the dealership

Initiate criminal proceedings under relevant provisions of law

Investigate the role of the dealer in permitting unlawful use of the vehicle

The complaint also states that in cases of fatal accidents arising from violations of motor vehicle laws, authorities have the power to seize the vehicle and take strict action against the dealer, including sealing of premises if necessary.

Police are yet to issue an official statement on the complaint.