Counterfeit Military Combat Uniform Racket Uncovered in Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar
Army Intelligence units and the Rajasthan Police have uncovered a counterfeit military combat uniform operation in Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar district, seizing approximately 1,000 metres of unauthorised military-pattern combat cloth during coordinated searches.
What Happened
The investigation began after authorities intercepted a consignment of fake combat cloth in Bareilly in June. Investigators tracked the origin of the seized material to a production source located in Sriganganagar, prompting Army Intelligence units to launch a discreet probe into the supply chain.
The discreet inquiry identified a local firm operating as a crucial hub. This firm allegedly supplied unauthorised new-pattern combat cloth to commercial shops in Sriganganagar town, as well as nearby regional markets including Lalgarh Jattan and Suratgarh. Following an interim investigation report submitted by the Army to the Rajasthan Police in mid-July, joint teams executed targeted raids on July 30 across multiple establishments in the district, resulting in the seizure of nearly 1,000 metres of the illicit fabric.
Key Highlights
- Joint operation conducted by Army Intelligence and Rajasthan Police across Sriganganagar district.
- Approximately 1,000 metres of unauthorised new-pattern Army combat cloth seized.
- Probe initiated following a prior seizure of counterfeit combat cloth in Bareilly in June.
- Distribution network linked to shops in Sriganganagar town, Suratgarh, Lalgarh Jattan, and neighboring markets.
- Action initiated based on an interim Army report submitted to state police in mid-July, leading to searches on July 30.
Why This Matters
According to officials, the unauthorised possession, sale, or usage of military-pattern combat fabric constitutes a punishable offense. Authorities highlighted that the availability of such counterfeit materials creates a major security threat by enabling individuals to potentially impersonate armed forces personnel.
What to Watch Next
Investigating agencies are continuing their probe to map out the full extent of the operation. Further efforts are focused on identifying the manufacturers, suppliers, and broader distribution networks associated with the counterfeit military fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the counterfeit military cloth seized?
The unauthorized combat cloth was seized during joint searches across Sriganganagar district in Rajasthan, including markets in Sriganganagar town, Lalgarh Jattan, and Suratgarh.
How was the illegal uniform network discovered?
The network was traced back to Sriganganagar after military intelligence investigated an earlier seizure of fake combat fabric carried out in Bareilly in June.
Why is selling unauthorized combat cloth illegal?
Officials state that unauthorized sale or possession of military-pattern fabric is a punishable offense that poses serious security risks by potentially allowing unauthorized persons to impersonate military personnel.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.