Law enforcement authorities and anti-counterfeiting officials have dismantled an illegal manufacturing and packaging setup in Bihar's Supaul district that was allegedly producing fake rose water under well-known corporate labels. On Thursday, a joint squad comprising officials from the Patna copyright department and personnel from the Raghopur police station conducted a targeted raid at a residence in Jahalipatti Ward 8, situated within Devipur Panchayat. During the operation, investigators seized massive quantities of finished bottles, empty containers, loose chemicals, and thousands of counterfeit wrappers bearing reputed trademarks. A 42-year-old resident, identified as Brahmadev Sah, son of Shubhlal Sah, was apprehended on the spot in connection with the illicit operation.
Thousands of Bottled Units and Branded Sheets Confiscated
Upon searching the premises, the inspection team uncovered an extensive inventory prepared for market distribution. Officials recovered 1,775 bottles of 100 ml rose water carrying Dabur branding and 1,825 bottles of 100 ml units labeled as Patanjali. Alongside the finished goods ready for dispatch, the team seized 1,184 empty bottles meant for subsequent filling rounds. The packaging apparatus included 748 sheet wrappers printed with the Patanjali name and 7,425 sheet wrappers bearing the Dabur logo. Investigators also found loose rose water kept inside a bucket as well as a bottle containing an unidentified chemical compound allegedly used during the formulation process.
Action Triggered by Formal Complaint Filed in Patna
The coordinated crackdown followed an official complaint lodged with the copyright department in Patna by an individual identified as Ajay Pandit. The complaint flagged unauthorized manufacturing and brand infringement occurring inside a residential premises in Jahalipatti. Following initial verification, the copyright wing mobilized a team to Supaul and coordinated directly with the Raghopur police to secure the location. The entire inventory of spurious personal care products, packaging sheets, and chemical stock was cataloged and transferred directly to the custody of the local police station.
Police Expand Investigation into Supply Chains and Safety Standards
Officials from the copyright wing noted that the confiscated material was clearly intended to exploit established consumer trust by masquerading as authentic products from leading manufacturers. However, the exact chemical composition, safety profile, and raw material purity of the seized liquid can only be determined through detailed laboratory examination. Raghopur police station chief Amit Kumar Rai confirmed that the copyright department handed over the accused along with the seized evidence, and appropriate legal action is underway based on their official application. Investigators are now probing the operational duration of this unit, identifying other potential collaborators, and tracing the retail markets where these counterfeit goods were routinely supplied.
