EOW conducts raid in Nehru Place, seizes counterfeit software

The Economic Offense Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police recently conducted counterfeited software raids at Nehru Place based Yash Computers, and the hawkers who are permanently based outside the shops in Nehru Place, selling software in the IT market.

It has been reported that during the raid, police has found that Yash Computers was mixing counterfeit Microsoft products with genuine Microsoft software and selling it to unsuspecting consumers at the same price as genuine. Software comprised mainly low-quality disks.

The seizure comprised counterfeit products consisting of Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP and Microsoft Project, along with other components. The raids happened on a complaint filed by Microsoft with the police, according to the issued press release by Microsoft.

Although it has not been certain yet as how many software hawkers were arrested during the raid and the materials being seized.

When asked about his views on these police raids Saket Kapur, general secretary, Progressive Channels Association of Information Technology (PCAIT) said, "We at PCAIT are committed to IPR and defy all activities encouraging software piracy and counterfeiting. The activity of ‘Yell and Sell' pirated software should be immediately curbed and all those supporting it should face punitive action."

Swarn Singh, joint secretary, ADCTA commented, "Stopping hawkers who are indulged in selling of software openly and unorganized in the market is a welcome move taken by Microsoft. We want Microsoft to take strict action against such hawkers."

It has been learnt from the sources that more than 30 juvenile hawkers and agents are operating in the market. These hawkers are operating on the footpaths in the area. Arrests were made and further investigation is on to catch the culprit/kingpin who is behind this illegal trade.