BARGARH: A police complaint has been lodged by the Textiles department against Rajasthan-based Bharat Mohan Industries for selling fake Sambalpuri sarees by violating the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
The Sambalpuri Bandha sarees have earned Geographical Indication tag, which prohibits replication of the product.
Textiles department Assistant Director Upendra Debata has filed a police complaint against Bharat Mohan Industries for replicating the design of Sambalpuri saree and selling fake printed Sambalpuri sarees in the market. He said the department came to know that Bharat Mohan Industries has been selling printed sarees replicating the Sambalpuri design as ‘Bharat Vijaya’ sarees. These fake sarees are available in Bargarh market as well. Debata said the Union Government has been apprised about it.
He said relevant documents and sample of the printed saree replicating Sambalpuri design have been provided for the agencies to pursue the matter and stop such unfair trade practices.
The Chief Enforcement Officer and Deputy Enforcement Officer of the office of Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles had visited Bargarh on Friday following which the case was registered.
This is the first such case against duplicity of handlooms in the State and second case in the country. Earlier, a similar type of case was registered in Telangana. The team had also brought with them copy of the FIR from Telangana for reference of police here.