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Fake Liv 52 Tablets: How a Counterfeit Racket Was Busted, Names Involved, and How Consumers Can Stay Safe

Liv 52 (including Liv 52 DS) is one of India’s most widely used liver‑support formulations, marketed by Himalaya Wellness Company (also referred to as Himalaya Wellness India). For decades it has been prescribed or recommended for various hepatic disorders and general liver support. Precisely because of this popularity and trust, the brand has now become a lucrative target for counterfeiters.^[1]^[2]

In early 2026, a major racket manufacturing and supplying fake Liv 52 tablets was busted in Uttar Pradesh. The case has raised serious questions about patient safety, regulatory vigilance, and the ease with which spurious medicines can enter the Indian market.^[3]^[4]^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]

This article explains the Ghaziabad fake Liv 52 case, clearly identifies the entities named in media and police reports, and provides practical guidance to help consumers distinguish genuine Liv 52 from counterfeits.

The Ghaziabad Fake Liv 52 Racket: What Happened

Complaint by Himalaya Wellness Company

According to multiple reports, Himalaya Wellness Company lodged a formal complaint and subsequently an FIR at Muradnagar police station in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, after it detected counterfeit versions of its liver medicine “Liv 52 DS” circulating in the market. The company alleged that fake tablets were being manufactured and sold under the Liv 52 / Liv 52 DS name without authorisation, using its branding and packaging.^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[3]

On the basis of this complaint, Muradnagar police and the local SWAT team initiated an investigation into the spurious drug racket.^[4]^[7]

Raids and Seizure of Fake Tablets

In a joint operation, Ghaziabad’s Muradnagar police and the SWAT team busted an alleged illegal unit dealing in fake liver medicines. During the raid:^[4]

Approximately 50,000 counterfeit Liv 52 / Liv 52 DS tablets were seized.
Police also recovered hundreds of blister/rapper sheets, plastic containers, green and white caps, and other packaging material designed to mimic the genuine Himalaya product.^[6]^[5]^[4]
Five accused persons were arrested in connection with the racket, as per police statements.^[5]^[4]

Media reports indicate that the tablets themselves were being manufactured in a laboratory in Sonipat, Haryana, while packaging material was sourced from areas such as Meerut (Uttar Pradesh). The finished fake product was then branded as Himalaya’s Liv 52 DS.^[3]^[4]

Named Entities in the Supply Chain

Reports in Hindi and English media have specifically named the following entities in relation to the counterfeit Liv 52 DS case (all references are to allegations and ongoing investigation, not final findings of guilt):

Himalaya Wellness Company / Himalaya Wellness India Company
1. Role: Complainant and original manufacturer of the genuine Liv 52 and Liv 52 DS tablets.
1. The company approached police after being alerted about suspicious stock and confirmed through its own testing that certain market samples were completely fake.^[7]^[2]^[6]^[1]
NP Trading Company, Adarsh Colony, Muradnagar (Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh)
1. Role (as per media reports): Alleged front firm for distribution of the counterfeit Liv 52 DS tablets.^[6]
1. When investigators went to the address printed on the consignments, no functioning firm or factory was found at the location.^[6]
1. The name “NP Trading Company” was printed on the packets as the sender in consignments of fake tablets transported to other districts.^[6]
Harish Transport Corporation
1. Role (as per media reports): The fake medicines were allegedly shipped through Harish Transport Corporation, according to the investigation.^[6]
1. Consignments carrying counterfeit Liv 52 DS tablets were reportedly dispatched using this transporter, with NP Trading Company shown as the consignor on the documentation.^[6]
Mukesh Kumar (alleged proprietor of NP Trading Company)
1. Media reports in Punjabi and Hindi press have named Mukesh Kumar as the purported owner of NP Trading Company in Muradnagar.^[6]
1. During the investigation, when company representatives and authorities tried to contact him, he was stated to be “out of contact” or untraceable.^[6]
1. Police have treated him as part of the alleged racket, but it is important to emphasise that these are allegations based on the FIR and investigation; the matter is still sub judice.
Unspecified laboratory in Sonipat (Haryana) and packaging units in Meerut (Uttar Pradesh)
1. Police have stated that the tablets were manufactured in Sonipat, while caps, containers, and labels were arranged from other locations such as Meerut.^[3]^[4]^[6]
1. The exact names of these labs and units were still under investigation at the time of reporting.

Pricing and Profit Motive

One notable feature of the racket was the price differential:

The genuine Himalaya Liv 52 (per box) retails around ₹280, depending on variant and region.
The counterfeit boxes reportedly cost the racket only ₹35–₹40 to produce and were sold to retailers for about ₹110–₹115 per box, leaving a very high margin both for the counterfeiters and any complicit retailers.^[8]^[4]^[5]

This large profit margin explains why counterfeiters target popular OTC brands like Liv 52 DS.

Why Fake Liv 52 Tablets Are So Dangerous

Liv 52 is taken by patients for liver support, including in conditions such as fatty liver, alcoholic liver‑related damage, anorexia, and as an adjunct in various hepatic disorders, as per company literature and clinical studies. When a patient buys a counterfeit version:^[2]^[1]

The active ingredients may be absent, sub‑standard, or contaminated, meaning the liver disease is left untreated or can worsen.
Some counterfeit products may contain harmful or unknown substances, risking direct damage to the liver, kidneys, or other organs.
Aaj Tak and other outlets quoting health experts have warned that such fake liver medicines can “worsen the liver instead of curing it”, particularly when patients rely on them in place of proper medical treatment.^[4]

In short, fake Liv 52 tablets are not just “low‑quality” products; they can be life‑threatening.

How to Identify Genuine Liv 52 Tablets and Liv 52 DS

While counterfeiters have become increasingly sophisticated, consumers can still reduce their risk by paying attention to packaging and verification features. Some key checks include:

1. Verify the Manufacturer Name and Details

Genuine products will clearly mention “Himalaya Wellness Company” / “Himalaya Wellness India Company” as the manufacturer, along with a proper registered address and manufacturing licence number.^[1]^[2]
Spelling mistakes, incomplete addresses, or unusual variations in the company name are warning signs.

2. Examine Holograms and Security Labels

Many genuine medicines, including popular branded formulations, carry security holograms or special labels that are difficult to copy. When checking a Liv 52 pack:^[9]^[10]^[11]

Tilt the pack and observe the three‑dimensional (3D) and kinetic effects in the hologram. A genuine hologram will show smooth depth and shifting images or colours.^[10]^[9]
Look for clear printing, sharp edges, and firm adhesion of the hologram or label. Poorly printed, blurry or peeled‑off holograms are suspect.^[11]^[9]^[10]
Some packs may carry QR codes or verification features that can be checked using the manufacturer’s app or official website, if provided.

3. Check the MRP and Discounts

If a retailer offers Liv 52 or Liv 52 DS at a price that is far below the usual market range (for example, near ₹100 per box when the standard MRP is around ₹280), this is a red flag.^[8]^[5]
While legitimate discounts do exist, unusually low prices on high‑demand liver medicines should be treated with caution.

4. Inspect Batch Number, Manufacturing and Expiry Dates

Ensure the batch number, manufacturing date (MFG), and expiry date (EXP) are printed clearly and consistently on both carton and bottle/blister.
Any overwriting, mismatched details between the outer box and inner container, or smudged ink should make you suspicious.

5. Buy Only from Licensed, Reputable Sources

Prefer well‑known pharmacy chains, long‑established local chemists, or authorised online pharmacies that issue proper invoices.
Be extra cautious when dealing with unknown “trading firms”, wholesale godowns, or online sellers offering deep discounts without clear credentials—the NP Trading Company example shows how such fronts can be used to push fake stock into the market.^[6]

Legal Framework and Possible Punishments

Under Indian law, the manufacture and sale of spurious medicines is a serious offence:

The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, especially provisions relating to spurious drugs (e.g., section 17B) and penalties under section 27, prescribes severe punishments, including long imprisonment terms and heavy fines, particularly where the fake drug is likely to cause death or grievous harm.
In addition, accused persons may face charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for offences like cheating, criminal conspiracy, forgery, and use of forged documents (e.g., fake GST numbers and bogus drug licences, as alleged in this case).^[7]^[3]^[4]^[6]

The Ghaziabad case demonstrates that when companies actively monitor the market and promptly complain, law‑enforcement agencies can and do act against counterfeiters.

What Consumers Should Do If They Suspect a Fake Liv 52

If there is any doubt about the authenticity of a Liv 52 or Liv 52 DS strip or bottle:

Stop using the medicine immediately and consult a qualified doctor, especially if you notice new or worsening symptoms.
Preserve the strip, outer carton, and purchase invoice—these are important evidence for any investigation.
Contact Himalaya Wellness Company through its customer care or official website, share photos of the pack, and ask them to verify the batch and packaging.^[2]^[1]
Inform the local Drug Inspector / State Drug Control Department, providing the pharmacy’s name, invoice, and sample of the suspected fake.
Where appropriate, consider lodging a police complaint or joining an existing FIR as an affected consumer. The current Ghaziabad case was triggered because a vigilant medical store owner noticed suspicious packaging and reported it to the company, which then approached the authorities.^[7]^[6]

Conclusion

The fake Liv 52 racket in Ghaziabad is a stark reminder that even iconic and trusted brands are not immune from counterfeiting. In this case, Himalaya Wellness Company (the genuine manufacturer), NP Trading Company in Muradnagar (alleged distributor), Harish Transport Corporation (alleged transporter), and individuals such as Mukesh Kumar (alleged proprietor of NP Trading Company) have all been named in FIRs and media reports as part of an ongoing investigation into counterfeit Liv 52 DS tablets.^[5]^[8]^[3]^[4]^[7]^[6]

For consumers, the lesson is clear:

Verify the manufacturer’s name and packaging details.
Check holograms, security features, and pricing.
Buy only from reliable, licensed sources.
Immediately report any doubt to the company, regulators, and police.

“Verify before you swallow” is no longer just a slogan—it is a practical necessity in a market where fake medicines, including counterfeit Liv 52, can turn a trusted remedy into a dangerous risk.