SOURCE: AFI
In a major bust, the Berhampur Police and Military Intelligence Unit in Odisha have seized a staggering 488 meters of counterfeit army combat uniforms from a garment shop. This joint operation highlights a serious security concern and exposes a black market operation attempting to exploit the new army uniform design.
Acting on a tip-off from the Military Intelligence Unit in Gopalpur, police raided the shop and confiscated the fake uniforms, which mimicked the new digital pattern design launched by the army in January 2022. This new design is currently replacing the old uniform, and unauthorized sale poses a significant security risk.
The gravity of the situation lies in the potential misuse of these uniforms. By mimicking the official design, they could be used for impersonation, infiltration, or other illegal activities, jeopardizing national security. To combat this, the army has secured Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the design, granting them exclusive rights to its use and the ability to pursue legal action against unauthorized sellers.
The investigation is ongoing, with the shop owner revealing they procured the uniforms from Kolkata, who in turn acquired them from Ludhiana. This trail leads investigators towards the manufacturing source and the individuals involved in this illegal operation.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and collaboration in safeguarding sensitive military equipment and designs. The successful bust demonstrates the effectiveness of joint operations between law enforcement and intelligence agencies in tackling such black market activities.