A joint operation by Indian Army intelligence units and Rajasthan Police on 30 July led to the seizure of approximately 1,000 metres of unauthorised Army-pattern combat cloth from multiple shops across Sriganganagar district, exposing an alleged supply network distributing counterfeit military uniforms across the border-sensitive region. The raids targeted establishments in Sriganganagar town, Lalgarh Jattan, Suratgarh, and nearby markets.

How the Operation Unfolded

The crackdown traces back to a seizure of similar counterfeit combat cloth in Bareilly in June 2025, which investigators linked to a manufacturing source in Sriganganagar. Acting on that lead, Army intelligence personnel conducted a discreet inquiry in the city, identifying a local firm as a key node in the alleged supply chain.

An interim investigation report was shared with Rajasthan Police in mid-July, prompting a coordinated operation on 30 July. Simultaneous raids were carried out at several establishments on Railway Station Road, including Apna Army Tailors, Jai Bhole Army Store, RD Army Store, Punjabi Army Tailors, Charan Army Tailor, Shri Prayag Army Store, Kukkar Army Store, Raj Army Store, and JMD Army Tailor. Besides the counterfeit combat fabric, authorities also seized combat boots, caps, laces, and other Army-related items.

What Was Being Sold and at What Price

Preliminary investigations indicate that uniforms stitched from the restricted-pattern fabric were allegedly being sold openly in local markets without authorisation, with prices reportedly ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000. Kotwali Police Station SHO Tejwant Singh Barar confirmed that police acted after Army intelligence alerted them that fabric resembling the Indian Army's restricted digital-pattern combat uniform was being sold commercially.

During questioning, the owner of Apna Army Tailors, Bhajanlal, allegedly told investigators that he stitched Army combat uniforms using fabric purchased from Doda Traders. Further investigation identified an individual named Harsh as an alleged supplier of Army-pattern combat cloth to several shops and tailors in Sriganganagar and surrounding areas.

Supply Chain Traced to Delhi's Azad Market

Investigators traced the supply chain to Azad Market (Mahalaxmi Market), Delhi, where around 600 shops are engaged in the sale of Army uniform fabric. Officials allege that some of these suppliers were providing restricted-pattern material to retailers and tailors in Sriganganagar without the necessary authorisation.

According to investigators, despite the Ministry of Defence holding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) over the Army's new digital camouflage pattern — introduced under Dress No. 7/2022 in 2023 — fabric resembling the design continues to circulate through unauthorised channels. The new digital combat uniform is supplied exclusively through the Army's controlled procurement system and authorised Canteen Stores Department (CSD) outlets.

Security Risk in a Border-Sensitive Zone

Army intelligence officials underscored that the illegal sale of military-pattern combat uniforms poses a significant security threat, particularly given Sriganganagar's proximity to the India-Pakistan border. Officials warned that such uniforms could be misused by terrorists or anti-national elements to impersonate Army personnel and gain unauthorised access to sensitive locations, making detection considerably more difficult.

The unauthorised possession, sale, or use of military-pattern combat cloth is a punishable offence under existing law, and the Army has noted that commercial distribution of the protected camouflage fabric may also attract civil and IPR-related legal action. The investigation into the role of individual shop owners is ongoing, and authorities have recommended mapping the complete supply chain and taking legal action against all those involved.