Education – Delhi Graduate Arrested After Police Seize Over 5,000 Fake NCERT Textbooks
Education – A police operation in outer Delhi has led to the arrest of a university graduate after authorities recovered thousands of counterfeit textbooks belonging to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Officials said the raid uncovered more than 5,000 pirated books stored in a warehouse, raising concerns about the spread of illegal educational material in the market.
Police Raid Leads to Large Seizure of Counterfeit Textbooks
According to Delhi Police, officers conducted a search operation at a godown located in the outer parts of the city after receiving information about the storage of illegally printed educational books. During the inspection, the team found stacks of NCERT textbooks in both Hindi and English mediums piled inside the premises.
Authorities immediately called representatives from NCERT to examine the books and verify their authenticity. After reviewing the material, the officials confirmed that the textbooks were not genuine and had been illegally reproduced.
Following the confirmation, the police seized the entire stock of 5,011 counterfeit textbooks from the location. The individual associated with the warehouse was taken into custody and a formal case has been registered under relevant legal provisions.
Background of the Accused
Police identified the accused as Kumar, who originally comes from Bihar. Investigators said he moved to Delhi in 2003 with his family when his father was working as a newspaper vendor in the city.
Kumar later pursued higher education in Delhi and completed his graduation from Hansraj College under the University of Delhi. He subsequently enrolled in a postgraduate programme through Indira Gandhi National Open University.
According to investigators, Kumar attempted to secure employment in the government sector but was unable to succeed in competitive examinations. Officials believe that after facing repeated setbacks in job searches, he turned to the illegal sale of pirated textbooks in 2022.
Repeat Offender in Pirated Book Trade
Police records indicate that the accused has previously been involved in similar offences. Authorities confirmed that he had been booked earlier in two separate cases related to the distribution of counterfeit books.
Investigators suspect that the seized material may be part of a larger network engaged in the illegal printing and circulation of educational textbooks. Police teams are now examining possible links to printing units, suppliers and distributors who may be involved in producing and transporting the pirated copies.
Officials said the ongoing investigation aims to identify other individuals connected to the operation and determine how the counterfeit textbooks entered the market.
Concerns Over Impact on Education System
Education authorities have repeatedly warned that the circulation of fake textbooks can harm students and undermine the credibility of academic resources. Counterfeit books often contain printing errors, missing pages or inaccurate information, which can affect learning outcomes.
NCERT officials emphasised that unauthorised reproduction and sale of its textbooks violate copyright laws and can lead to legal action against those involved. The organisation stated that strict monitoring and cooperation with law enforcement agencies are essential to prevent the spread of pirated academic material.
Public Advised to Buy Books from Official Sources
NCERT has also urged students, parents and schools to purchase textbooks only through authorised distributors and official outlets. Buying books from trusted sources ensures that students receive accurate and properly printed educational material.
Authorities believe public awareness plays an important role in reducing the demand for pirated books, which often enter the market at lower prices but fail to meet quality standards.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police continue their investigation to uncover the wider network responsible for printing and distributing counterfeit NCERT textbooks in the region.