The Haryana government has cancelled the high-value auction of VIP car number HR 88 B 8888 after the highest bidder failed to deposit the winning amount of Rs 1.17 crore.
Transport Minister Anil Vij has ordered a detailed inquiry into the bidder’s assets and income, calling the lapse a “serious breach of responsibility.”
Vij told the media that bidding for VIP or fancy numbers is not a hobby but a financial obligation. He stressed that security deposits and timely payments are part of a regulated process that contributes to state revenue. The government will also write to the Income Tax Department to verify whether the bidder had the financial capacity to place such a record-setting bid.
The minister explained that Haryana’s online auction system for VIP and fancy vehicle numbers often attracts significant interest due to the prestige associated with these plates. In this auction, the number HR 88 B 8888 drew a record bid from Sudhir Kumar, Director of Transport Services at Romulus Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Despite winning, Kumar failed to deposit the amount by the December 1 deadline. He later claimed that he attempted payment twice on Saturday night but faced technical problems. He added that his family was uncomfortable with spending such a large sum.
Following the failure to pay, the Transport Department has officially cancelled the auction result and announced that the number will be re-auctioned. The government has indicated a stricter approach in future, warning that frivolous or unrealistic bids will be scrutinised and not tolerated.
