Nagpur: The Social Security Branch (SSB) of the Nagpur Crime Branch raided three hotels in the Hudkeshwar area for allegedly using the OYO brand name and official logo without authorisation. Cases have been registered against the operators under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Trade Marks Act.

The action followed a complaint filed by Narendra Suresh Kharwe, a nodal officer associated with OYO Hotels and Homes Pvt Ltd. According to the complaint, the three establishments were displaying the OYO name and logo despite allegedly having no valid agreement or permission to use the brand.

The Crime Branch conducted raids at OYO Hotel Anand Inn in Vihirgaon on Umred Road, OYO Hotel Spot On Fakt Tu Aani Mi in Matanagar, Bahadura, and OYO Hotel S.K. Hari in Telephone Nagar on Umred Road.

During the raids, the operators — Khushal Wadekar, Chetan Charde and Prajwal Kamble — were allegedly found using the OYO brand name and logo to promote and operate their respective hotels.

Police said the alleged unauthorised use of the trademark was being investigated in connection with possible commercial benefits derived from the OYO branding.

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Nagpur Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil, Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajendra Dabhade, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) Deepak Agrawal and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Vaibhav Jadhav.

Police Inspector Darshan Patil and the Social Security Branch team conducted the raids. The Hudkeshwar police are investigating the cases and further action will depend on the findings of the probe.