Acting on intelligence inputs, the Uttar Pradesh STF raided a rented warehouse on Sitapur Road in the Bakshi Ka Talab police jurisdiction and uncovered an illegal factory manufacturing counterfeit cement. The operation was designed to closely mimic the packaging and branding of trusted cement companies like ACC, Mycem, and Ultratech, potentially putting thousands of construction sites and lives at risk.
Hundreds of sacks of fake cement were recovered from the site. Officials found that the counterfeiters were mixing low-quality raw materials and repackaging them under branded labels to sell in the open market. The warehouse had printing units, empty branded sacks, sealing equipment, and raw mixing tools creating the illusion of genuine products ready for distribution.
The Arrests: Eight Held in STF Sweep
The STF detained eight individuals from the location, all allegedly involved in different stages of the illegal operation—from mixing and packaging to logistics and supply. Initial interrogation revealed that the fake products were being distributed to retailers and small contractors across Lucknow and surrounding districts under the false pretense of surplus or discounted branded stock.
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Authorities suspect that the racket had been operational for several months, and investigations are ongoing to track the supply chain, financial transactions, and possible market infiltration. The arrested individuals are expected to face charges under sections related to forgery, cheating, criminal conspiracy, and violation of the Copyright and Trademarks Act.
Public Safety and Economic Fallout
The seizure has sparked serious concerns about public safety and structural integrity, particularly in residential and commercial construction projects that may have unknowingly used counterfeit cement. Experts warn that such substandard material poses a severe risk of building collapse, especially in multi-story or high-load structures.
This incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for tighter market surveillance, product authentication mechanisms, and supply chain audits in the construction materials sector. Regulatory bodies are now under pressure to ensure that building material suppliers are vetted and that retail outlets verify the origin of high-risk goods like cement.
The STF has urged citizens and contractors to report suspiciously low-priced materials and verify purchases with authorized dealers. More raids are likely as the investigation continues.