Bust at Gandhinagar Swastik Market: Counterfeit shirts with fake US Polo labels seized
In a late-night operation on Monday, copyright enforcement officers raided Annsari Garment, located on Gandhinagar’s busy Swastik Market, and uncovered a sizeable stock of counterfeit apparel. The raid reveals the ongoing challenge of fake branded clothing infiltrating local markets, even in well-trafficked commercial corridors.
What was seized and its estimated value
During the operation, authorities confiscated around 610 shirts bearing forged U.S. Polo labels, along with related labeling materials and other items used to produce counterfeit merchandise. The total value of the seized goods and materials is estimated at Rs 14,38,750. The discovery highlights how counterfeiters seek to imitate trusted brands by replicating logos, hang tags, and packaging to entice unsuspecting buyers.
Key players in the case
The shop owner, identified as Muhammad Mikain Ansari (resident of Koyna Colony, Gandhinagar), has been booked at Gandhinagar Police Station under relevant copyright and trademark statutes. The complaint was filed by a US Polo Company official, Neerajkumar Narendra Singh Dhahiya (a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh), who reported the incident and provided documentation of brand ownership.
The raid was conducted by a team including Yogesh More, Mangesh Deshmukh, Nitin Kadam, Avinash Patil, and other officers, who coordinated with the brand’s representatives to gather evidence at the location. The operation underscores a joint effort between intellectual property rights enforcers and local police to curb counterfeit activities in crowded marketplaces.
Impact on the Gandhinagar market
News of the seizure disrupted routine activity in Swastik Market, with reports noting that several traders briefly shuttered their shops in the wake of the raid. Market dynamics in busy hubs like Gandhinagar are often sensitive to such police actions, as retailers balance competition with the risk of inadvertently stocking counterfeit goods. This incident adds to a broader, ongoing push to protect legitimate brands and maintain consumer trust in local commerce.
Why it matters for consumers and retailers
Counterfeit apparel not only undermines brand integrity but also poses potential risks to consumers, from quality concerns to safety issues arising from substandard materials or manufacturing practices. For retailers, counterfeit goods distort fair competition and may invite heavier scrutiny from authorities. This case serves as a reminder for buyers to purchase from reputable retailers and for sellers to verify supply chains to ensure authenticity and compliance with intellectual property laws.
What happens next
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. They will determine whether additional shipments or other locations were involved and which entities beyond the shop owner might be implicated. The case is being pursued under applicable copyright and trademark provisions, and further legal action will depend on the evidence collected during this inquiry. The public is advised to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
The Gandhinagar raid against counterfeit apparel reflects a decisive stance against IP infringement and a continued commitment to safeguarding both consumers and legitimate retailers. As enforcement efforts continue, market authorities hope to deter similar operations and uphold standards in busy commercial districts like Swastik Market.
