New Delhi: A joint operation by Indian Army intelligence units and Rajasthan Police has exposed an alleged network supplying counterfeit Army-pattern combat fabric, leading to the seizure of nearly 1,000 metres of unauthorised military-pattern cloth from multiple shops in Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar district.

The investigation began with the seizure of counterfeit combat fabric in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, in June. As investigators followed the supply trail, it led them to a manufacturing source in Sriganganagar. Army intelligence subsequently carried out a discreet probe, identifying a local firm allegedly involved in manufacturing and distributing fake Army-pattern combat fabric.

According to the investigation, the firm is suspected of supplying the counterfeit material to vendors in Sriganganagar town, Lalgarh Jattan, Suratgarh and nearby areas, indicating the presence of a wider distribution network in the region.

After gathering evidence, Army intelligence shared an interim investigation report with Rajasthan Police in mid-July. Acting on the findings, a coordinated operation was launched on July 30, with police and security personnel conducting searches at multiple locations across the district. The raids resulted in the recovery of around 1,000 metres of new-pattern combat fabric resembling material used for Indian Army uniforms.

Authorities have termed the unauthorised possession, sale or use of military-pattern combat fabric a punishable offence, noting that such material poses a serious security concern as it can be misused to impersonate armed forces personnel and facilitate unlawful activities.

Investigators are now examining the full extent of the supply chain, including whether the counterfeit fabric was distributed beyond Rajasthan. The probe is also focused on identifying other individuals and businesses that may have been part of the alleged network.

BI Bureau