The City Crime Branch (CCB) sleuths raided three godowns and 16 shops across the city, selling shoes in the name of reputed brands including Reebok, Nike and Puma. The CCB officials have arrested 19 accused and seized 5,000 duplicate shoes worth Rs 2.67 crore.
“Acting on a tip-off from major companies, the CCB sleuths conducted raids at National Market, Gandhinagar, Hong Kong Bazaar, Hindustan Hotel, City Centre and shops in Kalasipalya on Sushila Road,” reliable sources told Indiaretailing. Cases have been registered at Upparpet and Kalasipalya police stations.
The accused used the seal, rubber, thread and paint of the brands to manufacture the duplicate shoes. It is also learnt that the shoes are made in factories located in Agra and Kolkata. They sold the shoes without giving a bill.
“We have reports that our fake products are sold in other regions as well as across the city. It is always difficult for a company to hunt for its fakes. However, on receiving information, we try to bring the attention of concerned authorities for taking action. In my opinion, it is the public who should be more cautious while shopping their favourite brands. We expect that the government will take an adamant stand against the culprits who are swindling the public as well as killing the reputation of brands,” a Puma official told Indiaretailing.
According to sources, despite such raids happening once in a blue moon, fake products of major apparel and footwear brands are openly sold in shops and streets located at Majestic, Marthahalli, and Commercial Streets, to name a few.
“Recently I came across a bag inside a shop at Marthahalli under the brand name Peter England,” an avid shopper remembers.
Peter England officials might not have even started thinking of such brand extensions. However, such extensions are happening in factories located across the country and it is selling hot in the market.
– Vishnu Rageev R, Bengaluru Bureau
