Duplicate tobacco manufacturing unit was busted in Nikol, and two booked under the Copyright Act

The Crime Investigation Department (CID-Crime) Gandhinagar on Friday claimed to have unearthed a large-scale operation involving the illegal manufacture and packaging of counterfeit tobacco under the Baghban brand name in Nikol, Ahmedabad. 

Two men have been booked under the provisions of the Copyright Act for allegedly running a duplicate manufacturing unit and causing financial loss to the original brand.

According to the FIR, officials raided the house of Vinubhai Valjibhai Jadav, located in Nikol village, following a tip-off. Acting on a complaint filed by Hirenbhai Mukeshbhai Patel, representing Umin Products Pvt Ltd, the proprietor of the Baghban Tobacco trademark, officers seized counterfeit tobacco products, packaging materials and mixing equipment valued at ₹5.62 lakh.

Among the seized items were:

• Seven rolls of duplicate Baghban Tobacco packaging worth ₹3.15 lakh
•  12,000 counterfeit tobacco pouches worth ₹10,000
• Twelve tins of 50g tobacco worth ₹3,900
•  580 duplicate carton boxes valued at ₹1 lakh
•  Scented liquid (20 litres) worth ₹6,000
•  Mixing machines, silver foil, masala powder, and a weighing scale collectively worth over ₹20,000
•  156 kg of pre-mixed scented tobacco valued at ₹1.56 lakh

Police said the accused had been manufacturing spurious Baghban 138 branded tobacco pouches and tins by using counterfeit rolls, packaging cartons, foils and flavouring agents. The duplicate products were allegedly being supplied in the local market through networks linked to Hasmukhbhai Vasoya, a resident of Nikol, who is named as the second accused in the case.

Officials also recovered white chemical powder, spice mixtures, and silver foil reportedly used for blending and flavouring the tobacco. All items were sealed and sent for forensic examination.

During questioning, Vinodbhai Jadav allegedly admitted that the packaging material was sourced from Delhi and raw materials were supplied by Vasoya. However, police said further investigation is underway to trace the larger supply chain and potential market circulation of the counterfeit goods.

Both accused have been booked under Sections of the Copyright Act, 1957, for infringement of trademark and unauthorised duplication of branded products. “The raid was conducted based on specific intelligence, and the case highlights the scale at which counterfeit tobacco is being manufactured and sold in the state,” said an investigating officer.

CID-Crime officials confirmed that statements of company representatives, panch witnesses and local residents have been recorded. Additional evidence is expected to be presented as the investigation progresses.