Three individuals were apprehended by the Delhi police, who also dismantled two facilities producing fake airbags, as reported by the authorities.
The individuals who were arrested by the police have been recognized as Faizan (26), Mohd Faraz (35), and Furkan (35), all of whom reside in Delhi. The police confiscated 921 counterfeit airbags with a total value exceeding ₹1.84 crore.
The confiscated items consist of 12 MG airbags, 13 BMW airbags, 22 Citroen airbags, 23 Nissan airbags, 27 Renault airbags, 17 Volkswagen airbags, 20 Mahindra airbags, 14 Toyota airbags, 32 Tata airbags, 39 Honda airbags, 57 Skoda airbags, 66 Hyundai airbags, 86 Suzuki airbags, 12 KIA airbags, 8 Ford airbags, 3 Volvo airbags, 15 airbags without a logo, 54 passenger side airbags, 5 balloon clothes, 287 airbag motors, and 109 other raw material items were seized.
An investigation is currently underway after a case was filed under Section 336/34 of the IPC.
The evolution of vehicle airbags also referred to as supplemental restraint systems, has been remarkable since their introduction in the 1970s. Initially, airbags were only available in the front of the vehicle and were deployed uniformly for all occupants and types of crashes. Although these early airbags provided some level of protection, they pale in comparison to the advanced safety features and intricate design of modern airbags.
Consumers often assume that the airbag being replaced in their vehicle is an authentic manufacturer’s airbag. Unfortunately, counterfeit airbags have become a significant issue nationwide. These fake airbags are typically purchased online by unsuspecting consumers looking for a deal, or by dishonest auto repair shops aiming to increase their profits. As a result, there is a growing concern regarding the effectiveness and safety of these counterfeit airbags.
