The Regional Transport Office (RTO) seized two buses with the same registration number near Malavalli recently. Based on a tip-off, officials impounded the buses that had passengers.

According to sources in RTO, Satish Nanjunde Gowda of Tavaregere in the town owns the buses. Evading road tax and other fees/taxes to the State government was the reason for the accused to use the same registration number for the buses, sources said.

“We have filed a case under the Indian Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, and the Indian Penal Code,” an RTO officer said.