Fake Engine Oil Factory Busted in Surat, International Brands Targeted

Surat | Gujarat — Surat, renowned as India’s diamond and textile capital, is now facing a disturbing identity crisis. The city, known for its industry and enterprise, is rapidly becoming infamous as a hub for counterfeit goods, putting consumer safety and global brand reputation at risk. In the latest expose, the Surat Zone-1 Local Crime Branch (LCB) has busted an illegal factory manufacturing fake engine oil of reputed American and British brands, operating covertly for nearly eight years.

The raid was carried out in Laskana, where the factory owner Navneet Jasmatbhai Thummar was producing and distributing counterfeit engine oil under the labels of top automotive brands such as Hero, Castrol, Servo, Bajaj, and Pro Honda.

“The man was running a well-organized operation right inside a residential bungalow. Engine oil of foreign brands was being duplicated and sold in the market, endangering vehicle engines and consumer trust,” said Alok Kumar, DCP Zone 1, Surat.

How the Factory Was Uncovered

Acting on a tip-off, the LCB team raided house no. 33 in Crystal Bungalows, near the bullet train bridge in Laskana. The shock was immediate: what appeared to be a regular home was actually a full-fledged fake oil manufacturing unit.

The police recovered:

20 cans of Servo 4T (900ml),

60 cans of Hero Genuine 4T Plus,

20 cans of Caseriaitino,

20 cans of Pro Honda oil (600ml),

Hundreds of branded stickers and packaging material,

Empty and filled containers ready for market distribution.

The total seized inventory, including raw materials and labels, was worth over ₹6.38 lakh.

Repeat Offender With Criminal History

Navneet Thummar is no novice to crime. Multiple FIRs have already been registered against him in Sarthana, Varachha, Chowk Bazaar, Umra, Kamrej, and even Pune. His record includes serious crimes like cheating, theft, and murder-related cases, making him a seasoned offender in the eyes of the police.

“Thummar is part of a much deeper network. We are now investigating his supply chain — where he got the raw materials, and to whom he distributed the fake oil,” said a senior police official.

Information about the duplication of foreign engine oil brands has already been dispatched to company representatives in America and the UK, signaling potential international legal consequences.

A Broader Menace in Surat

This case is not isolated. Surat has recently seen counterfeit cases involving pan masala, ghee, medicines, cosmetics, and now engine oil. Areas like Varachha, Sarthana, and Laskana are emerging as hotbeds for duplication factories, undermining the city’s reputation and threatening the health and safety of its residents.

“Surat contributes heavily to Gujarat’s economy. The rise in counterfeit manufacturing poses a threat not only to global brands but also to the trust of honest entrepreneurs,” said Nikhil Madrasi, President of SGCCI.

Consumer Danger: Fake Oil Can Destroy Engines

Mechanics warn that using counterfeit engine oil can lead to engine seizures, permanent damage, and even fires in extreme cases. Unlike branded oils that undergo rigorous testing, fake oils often contain low-grade or contaminated substances, which are deadly for two-wheeler engines.