Press Trust of India
Bargarh: Samples of fake and original Sambalpuri sarees were sent to the geographical indication (GI) office in Chennai and also the authorities concerned in Bhubaneswar for examination by the textiles department, said sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Suresh Nayak
Appropriate steps would be taken after the reports were obtained from the Chennai office, Nayak added.
Earlier, reports and complaints by customers and weavers suggested that a flood of fake sarees from a Rajasthan-based firm had adversely hit the market for Orissa’s famed Sambalpuri sarees following which a probe has been launched on the complaint of the state handlooms and textiles department.
Weavers of Sambalpuri Bandha saree, known for their intricate traditional motifs and vibrant colours, have since then facing a huge loss after fake printed sarees replicating their design flooded the market.
Taking note of the fake sarees, a complaint was lodged by assistant director of textiles Upendra Debata with the Town police station at Bargarh against the Rajasthan-based firm Friday.
The Centre had earlier been informed about the matter and a team of officials of the Union government had visited Bargarh to look into the matter. They had been handed over samples of fake sarees and certain documents, the SDPO said.
A special team has also been formed to ascertain the channel through which the fake printed sarees are being pushed into the Orissa market, he added.
Meanwhile, various organisations including the Bargarh Weavers’ Association have been demanding steps to prevent such replication. Towns of Orissa including Bargarh, Sambalpur, Bolangir and Sonepur are the only producers of Sambalpuri sarees.
