Stringent measures being taken to curb piracy of Potter book

NEW DELHI: As the wait for the last instalment in the hugely popular Harry Potter series draws to an end, its publisher and bookstores are leaving no stone unturned to prevent its pirated versions from hitting the market.

The publisher and distributor -- Bloomsbury and Penguin India -- are working with police across the country to counter the business of pirated versions.

"We have launched an anti-piracy initiative at a very large-scale this time to curb the practice," said Hemali Sodhi, spokesperson, Penguin India.

Vigilance cells are being set up to detect sale of pirated copies of J K Rowling-authored "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows".

Bloomsbury and Penguin India have roped in Aca-Law, a law firm, to counter circulation of pirated versions of the new Harry Potter.

A 24-hour helpline number (011-26499936) has been launched to report incidents of piracy, Sodhi said.

Criminal cases will also be initiated against businesses and persons found organising and dealing in the piracy of the book.

"Any person found dealing in pirated copies of Harry Potter can be arrested and charged with the offence of infringement of copyright, which is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years and a fine," said Akash Chittranshi, head of Aca-Law.