In a surprising turn of events in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat, authorities launched a bulldozer operation after thousands of fake branded water bottles were confiscated. The action was triggered when District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh was served a 500 ml bottle labeled Bilseri—a counterfeit version of Bisleri—during a visit to a local police post.
A video captured the moment when the DM, alongside Superintendent of Police Arpit Vijayvargiya, noticed the suspicious bottle. Upon closer inspection, the DM realized the bottle lacked the required food license number, raising concerns about its authenticity.
The DM immediately directed the Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety to investigate. It was discovered that the water bottles had been purchased from a shop in Gauripur, leading authorities to Bhim Singh, who was running an illegal godown from his home. The godown was distributing counterfeit water bottles to various shops across the district.
During the investigation, around 2,663 bottles were seized, all mimicking the original Bisleri branding with misleading names like Bilseri, Bisleri, and Bislari. The confiscated bottles were promptly destroyed on-site using a bulldozer, and samples were sent for further testing.
The illegal godown, which was operating without a valid license, was shut down, and legal action has been taken against the owner. In light of this incident, the DM has urged the public to report any instances of counterfeit food products, calling for greater vigilance and cooperation to prevent such fraudulent practices.
