In a major crackdown on counterfeit goods, the Commissionerate Police raided a footwear store, Style Shoe, located in Janpath, Ashok Nagar, on Friday, seizing fake sneakers worth over a lakh.
The operation followed complaints about the sale of counterfeit branded sneakers, particularly those mimicking premium brands like Crocs.
Acting on a tip-off, a special team from the sneaker brand’s company visited the store posing as customers. After purchasing shoes and confirming they were counterfeit, the team lodged a complaint with the Capital Police Station. The police swiftly conducted a raid, confiscating a large quantity of fake Crocs sneakers. A case has been registered, and investigations are underway to uncover the supply chain behind the counterfeit operation.
The Capital Police have also invited representatives from other footwear brands to inspect the store’s inventory to identify additional counterfeit products. “Selling fake shoes at original prices is a serious offence. We will take strict action against those involved,” a police official from the Capital Station stated.
This raid exposes the growing issue of counterfeit goods in Bhubaneswar’s retail markets, raising concerns among consumers about product authenticity.