Mangaluru: Two cases have been registered in Ullal and Mangaluru North police stations, and counterfeit sports goods have been seized after a complaint was filed regarding the sale of fake branded items at two sports shops in the city.Addressing reporters on Tuesday, DCP (law & order) Mithun HN said the cases were registered based on a complaint by Stephen Raj, South India Regional Head of Brand Protectors India Pvt Ltd, who alleged that counterfeit Cosco, Nivia, and Yonex products were being sold.According to the complaint, fake footballs, volleyballs, and badminton rackets were sold at a shop in Ullal police station limits, and another in Mangaluru North police station limits.Ullal police registered a case under Sections 51 (1) (b) and 63 of the Copyright Act on Monday, and a second case under the same provisions was registered by the Mangaluru North police on Tuesday. Subsequent raids resulted in the seizure of around Rs 3.5 lakh worth of fake goods in Ullal and over Rs 5 lakh worth items in Mangaluru North jurisdiction. Approximately 300 counterfeit footballs, volleyballs, and badminton rackets were seized.A preliminary investigation of the bills and invoices revealed that the products were sourced from Jalandhar, the DCP said. Warning consumers to remain cautious while purchasing branded sports items, he pointed out that fakes were being sold at prices almost identical to the originals, with shop owners offering a 20% ‘discount’ to lure customers. The counterfeit items could be identified by subtle variations in the hologram, texture, and colour, he added.DCP (crime & traffic) Ravishankar, along with ACPs Vijayakranti and Prathap Singh Thorat, were present.
