Fake Aqualite manufacturing unit raided in Kolkata, accused arrested

The people of the City of Joy – Kolkata largely moves in slippers due to hot and humid weather throughout the year with some exceptions during the winters. Therefore, the slippers are always in demand there. Two brands, Aqualite is very popular among the buyers of all financial statuses.

Taking advantage of the less movement of the people and vigilance officials due to Covid-induced restrictions, a footwear factory unit, namely R.N Footware, located at 2A Topsia 2nd lane was tipped to be manufacturing fake Aqualite slippers for a long time.

The raid conducted by SM Hussain IPR Protection Agency’s team with Enforcement Branch, along with Kolkata Police, seized “1956 Pairs of fake Aqualite Slippers, with 6 Pieces of silk screen printing plates, “confirmed Syed Mashkur Hussain, an IPR Lawyer who owns SM Hussain IPR Protection Agency.

“We conducted the raid around the evening today. And found around 15 to 16 people manufacturing counterfeit Aqualite slippers by the silk screen plates. We have arrested the accused, the unit’s owner, namely Mohammad Shahnawas” he added.

A complained has been filed in Tiljala Police station, with FIR Number 50/21.

The raids were conducted after market surveillance around the area and complaints about the footwear being identical but not as comfortable and durable, which led to a market vigilance by SM Hussain IPR Protection Agency. “We had conducted a similar raid in Mohali in September last year and seized a mammoth collection of this popular brand. In future also, we will keep on having an eye and raid the counterfeit products anywhere across the country,” said Hussain.

The accused is held under 420 IPC, 63 Copyright Act, and Trademark Act 103/104, Criminal Conspiracy section 120 (B), added the IPR lawyer.