New Delhi: Delhi Police Crime Branch has uncovered a major counterfeit tyre tube manufacturing and distribution racket operating in the capital, exposing a network that allegedly sold low-grade rubber tubes under the names of leading tyre brands. Six accused have been arrested in connection with the operation, while raids are continuing to identify other members linked to the syndicate.
Covert Surveillance and Racket Exposure
Investigators said the gang had been manufacturing and distributing fake tyre tubes for a long period across Delhi-NCR and nearby markets. The accused allegedly used the names of well-known brands such as MRF and CEAT to deceive customers, transport operators, and retailers. Police suspect the illegal business may involve transactions worth several crores of rupees.
According to officials, repeated complaints had surfaced regarding poor-quality tyre tubes being sold in the market under reputed brand names. Many consumers reportedly complained that the tubes burst within a short period of use, raising suspicion about counterfeit products entering the supply chain. Following these inputs, the Crime Branch launched a covert surveillance operation and tracked multiple locations where illegal branding and packaging activities were allegedly being carried out.
Seizure of Machinery and Syndicate Arrests
During overnight raids conducted at several premises across Delhi, police recovered a large quantity of counterfeit packaging material, fake poly pouches, wrappers, hand-stamping devices, branding machinery, and unbranded rubber tubes. Investigators also seized equipment allegedly used to imprint logos and brand names of reputed tyre companies onto plain rubber tubes.
The arrested accused have been identified as Mohammad Zakir, Deepak Gupta, Manmeet Singh, Dinesh Gupta, Vinayak Gupta, and Gagandeep. According to investigators, Gagan Kalra alias Gagandeep Singh is believed to be the main operator and supplier behind the racket, while the others were allegedly involved in packaging, branding, storage, and market distribution.
Modus Operandi and Precision Packaging
Police investigations revealed that the gang first procured cheap, low-quality rubber tubes without any branding from local sources at throwaway prices. These tubes were then taken to secret warehouses where machines and hand stamps were allegedly used to print logos and labels of reputed tyre brands. After branding, the products were packed in counterfeit wrappers designed to closely resemble original company packaging.
Officials said the fake packaging was prepared with such precision that ordinary buyers would find it extremely difficult to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products. The racket allegedly targeted retail markets where customers often rely on external packaging and brand reputation while purchasing automotive products.
Supply Chain Interrogation and Public Safety Risks
Investigators suspect the network was not limited to Delhi alone and that supplies may have been routed to markets in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and other neighbouring regions. Police are now tracing the wider supply chain, including wholesalers, transporters, warehouse operators, and traders who may have knowingly or unknowingly sold the counterfeit products.
Experts warn that counterfeit automobile parts and rubber components pose not only an economic threat but also a major road safety risk. Poor-quality tyre tubes can burst unexpectedly while vehicles are in motion, potentially leading to serious accidents. Industry analysts also point out that counterfeit branding causes significant financial losses to legitimate manufacturers and damages consumer trust in established brands.
Police are currently interrogating the arrested accused and examining financial transactions, supplier networks, and distribution channels linked to the racket. Investigators believe more arrests are likely as the probe expands into the larger counterfeit manufacturing ecosystem operating in and around the national capital.
