Modified Toyota Hilux Seized: Owner Says Actual Reason Is Something Else!
Aftermarket modification on any vehicle and of any type is illegal in India. According to the Motor Vehicles Act, no changes to the original specifications of a vehicle are allowed. If a vehicle is found with modifications, it can be fined and also seized by the authorities. Recently, a video has been shared online in which a fully modified Toyota Hilux pickup truck was seized by the authorities in Jammu. The owner, however, has reported that this seizure was caused deliberately by the owner of the gym against which he complained online.
Modified Toyota Hilux seized
This video showing the seizure of the modified Toyota Hilux has been shared on Facebook by The News Now on their channel. In this video, a man can be seen getting interrogated by a few police officials. He then mentions that his vehicle is being seized by the authorities because of modifications. We can note that he was trying to talk with the authorities; however, his requests were getting denied.
The news reporter then started showing this modified Hilux. He stated that the police authorities have set up a checkpoint in front of the Vishal Mega Mart in Bahu Plaza, Jammu. We can note that they also stopped a Maruti Suzuki Ritz hatchback and a Ford Endeavour, along with other cars. During this, the owner of the Toyota Hilux was handed over a fine and his vehicle was seized.
This particular Hilux has been given an aftermarket bonnet, a new grille, additional LED lights, a lifted suspension, aftermarket alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres, and a rear support cage. All of these modifications are illegal by law.
Toyota Hilux owner shares the truth behind this seizure
In the comments section of the video shared by the news outlet, the owner of this particular seized Toyota Hilux—Abhishek Gupta—mentioned that his vehicle was not seized because of the modifications. Rather, it was deliberately seized after pressure from another person. In his comment, he explained that recently he let the valet at his gym park his Toyota Hilux.
However, it was then damaged by the valet, and when the owner confronted the gym for this damage, he was told that he can get a repair estimate and they would pay the amount and take responsibility for the incident. Unfortunately, when the repair estimate was provided by the owner to the gym, they completely refused to pay and take any responsibility for the incident.
Following this, the owner then shared his experience publicly. He added that the experience was shared very respectfully and truthfully. However, the owner of the gym, in retaliation, revoked his gym membership despite the owner of the Hilux having a complete yearly membership. After this, the gym had also alerted police authorities about the modified Hilux parked outside the gym.
What happened next?
In the post, the owner has also mentioned that apart from calling the police to seize the vehicle, they also invited media publications to cover the incident in order to humiliate the owner. However, the owner has stated that he can get his car released easily and can also pay any fine amount and get his vehicle repaired. He added this seizure is just a power play and public harassment.
Netizens' reactions
A number of netizens have provided their support to the owner of this Toyota Hilux. They stated that the owner should expose the gym and also share his experience with other gym members to make sure that the gym's actions can be seen by everyone. They also highlighted that the Jammu police, instead of seizing modified vehicles, should make sure that actual crimes get reduced.