Man who bid 1.17 cr for ‘HR88B8888’ number plate now under asset scrutiny

The Haryana government has initiated an inquiry into the assets of Sudhir Kumar, the bidder who offered ₹1.17 crore for the VIP number plate HR88B8888 but failed to complete the payment, as per reports.

Haryana transport minister Anil Vij has reportedly directed the department to carry out a detailed review of Kumar’s income and assets. Kumar, identified as a director at Romulus Solutions Private Limited, had placed the highest bid for the number plate but did not pay the amount by the December 1 deadline. His security deposit of ₹11,000 was subsequently forfeited.

Vij told the media that VIP numbers are allotted through auction, and several people had bid for the ‘8888’ series. He said the department would also write to the Income Tax Department to examine whether Kumar actually possesses the financial capacity to place such a high bid.

According to the minister, the move is intended to prevent individuals from artificially driving up auction prices without the means to honour their bids.“Bidding in auctions is not a hobby, it’s a responsibility, as per Vij.

The number plate, which briefly made headlines on November 26 for becoming India’s most expensive registration number, will now be reauctioned. It had received 45 applications against a base price of ₹50,000. The reason for Kumar’s non-payment remains unclear.