BIS seizes Rs 2.5 cr worth of counterfeit goods in major Flipkart warehouse raid
Bengaluru, Apr 22 (PTI): The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on Wednesday announced that during a search and seizure operation at the largest warehouse in South India, operated by Instakart Services Private Limited (trading under the name Flipkart), it was found that the firm was allegedly storing and selling products that violated the quality control orders issued by the central government and the BIS Act, 2016.
The estimated market value of the seized items is around Rs 2.5 crore, it said.
The operation, conducted on April 22 by the BIS's Bangalore Branch Office, revealed that several product models seized from the premises were not licensed, misused the ISI mark and registration mark, and violated the terms and conditions of the BIS license.
"Some of these products fall under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), while others are subject to Mandatory Certification by BIS, in accordance with the QCOs. These orders mandate that no product shall be manufactured or sold without a valid BIS license and compliance with the relevant Indian Standards," said a BIS statement.
According to the BIS, approximately 104 varieties, comprising around 17,500 units—including wireless earbuds, Bluetooth earphones, speakers, toys, footwear, cables, and more—were found in violation and seized.
The BIS team, led by Narender Reddy Beesu (Director) and other senior officials, confirmed that a case would be filed in a court of law.
"Legal action will be initiated against the firm under Section 17(3) read with Section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016. The Act provides for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of not less than Rs 2 lakh for the first offence. For subsequent offences, the fine shall not be less than Rs 5 lakh, and may extend up to ten times the value of the goods, or both, as determined by the court," the statement added.
The BIS urged consumers to always verify the BIS Standard Mark (ISI mark) and license number of manufacturers before making purchases.
The authenticity of a license and the relevant Indian Standard can be verified through the BIS CARE mobile app, it said.
During the operation, the team also educated warehouse personnel on how to check product compliance before allowing sellers to store goods on the premises.
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Sai Baba temple at Shirdi not to allow garlands, bouquets, shawls inside
Mumbai, May 10 (PTI): Amid heightened security concerns in the country, the Sai Baba temple trust at Shirdi in Maharashtra has decided not to allow garland, bouquets and shawls to brought inside the temple complex.
The famous temple which draws millions of devotees every year had received a threatening email last week.
Goraksh Gadilkar, a member of the Sai Baba Sansthan Trust, said devotees will be searched before entering the temple.
"The Sansthan received a threat email on May 2. In view of India-Pakistan tensions and the security alert across the country, flowers, garlands, prasad and shawls will not be allowed inside," he told PTI.
The Ahilyanagar district police have also made some suggestions to enhance the security of the temple.
On Friday, the Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai said it will not allow garlands, prasad and coconuts inside from May 11.
