Ahmedabad police have busted a factory in Odhav that was allegedly manufacturing electrical wires using the brand names Polycab and Finolex, arresting three people and seizing material valued at Rs 40.62 lakh. The action has brought attention to the risks posed by counterfeit electrical products entering the city’s construction and housing supply chain.
The raid was conducted at Shreeji Industries in Shed No. 11 of Dhaval Industrial Estate, located along Odhav Ring Road. According to the report, police received information about an illegal factory operating at the premises and subsequently searched the unit.
The three people found at the factory were identified as supervisor Chhotu Singh Bhawani Singh Dahiya and workers Mahendrakumar Kuiaram Bhil and Gopal Kumar Rataram Meghwal. Police said questioning during the operation indicated that the factory belonged to Uttam Singh Jabbarsingh Rajput, who lives in Nikol.
Investigators found that plastic granules were being melted and used to coat copper wire. The wires were then printed with the names of Polycab and Finolex, according to the report. The operation involved manufacturing and packaging products that carried the branding of established electrical companies.
The seized material included 502 bundles marked Polycab, each measuring 75 metres, and 137 bundles marked Finolex, each measuring 160 metres. Police also seized a printing machine, a drive panel, weighing equipment and drums containing copper wire. The total value of the seized goods and equipment was estimated at Rs 40.62 lakh.
The information about the alleged counterfeit operation was reportedly received by Vinodkumar Kapasiya, a manager with Ablemind Consulting Private Limited, which operates from New Delhi. The information was then passed to Odhav police, leading to the raid.
Counterfeit electrical wiring is an enforcement concern because such products can enter construction sites, shops and residential projects through informal supply channels. The report does not establish whether any of the seized wires had already been sold or installed, or whether the material had been tested for electrical performance. Those questions would depend on the further investigation and examination of the seized products.
Odhav police have registered a case under the Copyright Act, sealed the factory and begun legal proceedings. The next steps will include investigating the alleged ownership and supply network connected to the unit and determining how the branded packaging and printing were being used.
