In a dramatic turn of events in Uttar Pradesh, a fake Bisleri water bottle, labeled ‘Bilseri,’ found itself in the wrong place at the wrong time. The incident unfolded during a visit by the Baghpat District Magistrate (DM), Jitendra Pratap Singh, to a police post. When presented with a 500 ml bottle of ‘Bilseri,’ the DM noticed a striking resemblance to the original Bisleri brand but was alerted by the absence of the required food license number.
This discovery sparked swift action. The DM immediately instructed the Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety to investigate the matter. An investigation revealed that the counterfeit bottles were sourced from an illegal godown operated by Bhim Singh in Gauripur. The authorities seized approximately 2,663 fake bottles, bearing green-colored names like ‘Bilseri,’ ‘Bisleri,’ and ‘Bislari,’ all designed to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
The confiscated bottles were promptly demolished on-site using a bulldozer. Samples were sent for analysis, and the warehouse was shut down for operating without a valid license. Legal proceedings were initiated against the proprietor. The DM also urged the public to report any instances of counterfeit food products.
However, the ‘bulldozer action’ sparked criticism on social media. Users questioned the necessity of destroying the bottles, arguing that they could have been distributed to areas facing water shortages. Many suggested that sealing the manufacturing plant would have been a more effective solution. Some users even labeled the DM’s actions as ‘stupid’ and a waste of taxpayer money.
The incident highlights the growing problem of counterfeit products in India and the importance of maintaining food safety standards. The DM’s swift response, while controversial, underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are being treated. It remains to be seen if the ‘bulldozer action’ will serve as an effective deterrent against future counterfeiting activities.
