Independent

Safari overtook VIP in FY2026 on both revenue and profit. Its polycarbonate hard luggage is made in India, its soft bags and backpacks are imported, and the five-year warranty it advertises appears in no published policy.

Sebamed is owned by the German family firm Sebapharma and imported into India by USV Private Limited. The pH 5.5 claim, the decided advertising rulings, and Indian prices against German ones.

HMT Watches Limited was closed by government order in 2016. Its parent still assembles and sells watches in Bengaluru at ₹1,533 to ₹2,800 — with no published warranty period and no service network.

Rolex publishes a rupee price for every model. On a tax-stripped basis an Indian Rolex is about 20% cheaper than the same watch in Switzerland, and 18% cheaper than in the United States.

Doctor Extra Soft sells orthopaedic and diabetic-friendly footwear from Rs 299. It publishes no medical certification for any of it. What that means for buyers.

Carlton London calls itself a UK brand in its own terms of service, then sends disputes to Delhi courts. What the company records and a 2025 court ruling actually show.

Allen Cooper sounds British and is made in Kanpur by a listed Indian company. What its safety shoes cost, whether they are certified, and who should buy them.

Bacca Bucci sounds Italian and says on its own site that it was born on the streets of Delhi. What its sneakers cost, what it discloses, and who should buy them.

Batanagar, the school shoes, the high street shop. Bata feels Indian and is not. What its own filings say about who owns it, and whether the shoes are worth it.

Relaxo makes more footwear than any other Indian company and owns Sparx, Flite and Bahamas. What that scale does to the price, and where the shoes fall short.

Sparx is Googled as though it were a foreign sports label. It is made by Relaxo in Bahadurgarh, alongside Flite and Bahamas. What it costs and whether it is good.

Mochi is Indian, not Japanese. What it really costs once the standing discount is applied, who owns it, and why no factory sits behind the name.

Casio started making 28 watch models in India in 2025 and said nothing about price. What a G-Shock costs here, why duty made it expensive, and what should change.