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Chandigarh: Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij on Tuesday ordered a high-level enquiry after the bidder who quoted an unprecedented ₹1.17 crore for the VIP vehicle registration number HR88B 8888 failed to deposit the auction amount within the stipulated time. The minister has directed officials to investigate the bidder’s financial background, income sources and assets, raising serious questions over whether the record-breaking bid was a genuine financial commitment or merely a publicity stunt.

Senior officials of the Transport Department will conduct the inquiry in coordination with the state intelligence and finance wings. “If a person is capable of bidding such a huge amount, then he must be capable of paying it as well. The failure to deposit the money raises suspicion. We will thoroughly investigate his income, assets and credentials,” Anil Vij said.

Record Bid, Zero Payment

The VIP number HR88B 8888 was put up for open auction by the Haryana Transport Department as part of its regular fancy number bidding process. The number attracted intense competition, eventually touching the staggering figure of ₹1.17 crore, making it one of the highest bids ever recorded for a vehicle registration number in Haryana.

However, the department’s excitement soon gave way to embarrassment when the highest bidder failed to deposit the mandatory amount even after the deadline had lapsed. According to officials, multiple reminders were issued, but the bidder neither paid the amount nor provided a satisfactory explanation for the default.

“Such a massive bid followed by non-payment is highly unusual and cannot be taken lightly,” a senior transport official said on condition of anonymity.

Income and Asset Verification Ordered

Following the development, Minister Anil Vij ordered a detailed verification of the bidder’s bank accounts, income tax returns, property holdings, business interests, and past financial transactions. The aim is to ascertain whether the bidder actually possessed the financial capacity to place such a high bid in the first place. Officials said the probe would also examine whether false or misleading details were furnished during the bidding registration process, whether the auction process was misused, any links to benami transactions or illegal funding, and whether the act was intended to manipulate the bidding system for publicity or other motives. “If any financial irregularity, fraud or misrepresentation is found, strict legal action will follow,” an official said.

Was It Prestige, Publicity or Something More?

The failed payment has triggered widespread speculation in administrative and political circles. While some believe it was a “prestige-driven impulsive bid” with no real financial backing, others suspect it could be a case of deliberate manipulation or an attempt to gain overnight publicity through a headline-grabbing number.

Experts also point out that such incidents can disrupt the auction system and discourage genuine bidders. “When someone blocks a number with an unrealistic bid and then defaults, it undermines the credibility of the entire process,” a former transport commissioner said.

What Happens to the VIP Number Now?

According to Transport Department rules, if the highest bidder fails to deposit the amount within the specified period, the bid is cancelled, and the lot is either re-auctioned or offered to the next highest bidder, depending on the case. In this instance, officials said the department is likely to re-auction HR88B 8888 after completing preliminary formalities and legal review of the default.

Government Determined to Maintain Transparency

Minister Anil Vij reiterated that the government would not tolerate any misuse of the public auction system. “The bidding process is meant to generate revenue for the state and must remain transparent and credible. Anyone trying to play games with it will face strict action,” he said. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to determine whether the bidder will face penalties, possible blocklisting from future auctions, or even criminal proceedings if wrongdoing is established. For now, the mysterious ₹1.17-crore bid for HR88B 8888 has shifted from a headline-grabbing record-breaking prestige to a case of official scrutiny and unanswered questions.