New Delhi: Even amidst the allure of luxury vehicles like Mercedes and BMW, safety remains a paramount concern for car owners. However, recent revelations have cast a shadow over the perceived security offered by these high-end automobiles. Delhi Polices Central District has uncovered a shocking racket involving the production of fake airbags, potentially endangering the lives of luxury car drivers and passengers.Safety compromised in luxury carsDespite the hefty price tags and promises of top-notch safety features, owners of prestigious cars like Mercedes and BMW are now confronted with unsettling news. Delhi Polices crackdown on a counterfeit airbag syndicate has revealed that even the most esteemed automobile brands are not immune to fraudulent practices jeopardizing consumer safety.Gang busted, factories raidedThe Delhi Central Police recently apprehended three individuals involved in the manufacturing of counterfeit airbags and unearthed two illicit factories dedicated to this illegal operation. Acting on intelligence, law enforcement officers raided T-Huts No. 24 and No. 248 on Mata Sundari Road, near Gurudwara, Delhi, where the nefarious production was underway.During the operation, a staggering total of 921 fake airbags, valued at approximately Rs 2 crore, were confiscated from the clandestine factories. The raid resulted in the arrest of three suspects, identified as Faizan, Mohammad Faraz, and Furkan, hailing from Turkman Gate and Mata Sundari Road areas.Counterfiet airags of luxury brandsInterrogations of the apprehended individuals unveiled the extensive scope of the illicit enterprise. The counterfeit airbags were designed to mimic those of various renowned car manufacturers, including Mercedes, BMW, Citroen, Nissan, Renault, and Volkswagen, among others. The fraudulent operation had produced a wide array of fake airbags, ranging from those with branded logos to unbranded ones, totaling to hundreds of units.Implications for vehicle safetyThe proliferation of fake airbags poses a grave threat to road safety, as unsuspecting consumers may unwittingly install counterfeit safety devices in their vehicles. In the event of an accident, these fake airbags are rendered ineffective, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes. The police are currently intensifying efforts to apprehend additional accomplices and ascertain the extent of the networks operations, including identifying vehicles outfitted with counterfeit airbags.Statement by M Harshvardhan, DCP, Central Delhi: The uncovering of counterfeit airbag factories highlights a critical safety concern for luxury car owners. We are committed to dismantling such illicit operations to safeguard public safety.
