Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Nov 16: A large-scale network producing adulterated ghee in Tamil Nadu, packaging it into fake Nandini-branded sachets and bottles, and distributing it across Bengaluru has been dismantled in a joint operation conducted by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) and KMF Vigilance Wing.
Four individuals, including a KMF distributor, his son, and two others, have been arrested in connection with the racket. Authorities recovered 8,136 litres of adulterated ghee valued at Rs 1.26 crore, four vehicles used to supply the product, machinery used in preparation, and substantial quantities of coconut and palm oil used to adulterate the ghee.
Reports indicate that the accused were producing three litres of adulterated ghee from a single litre of original ghee.
The adulterated ghee was supplied to a dealer in Bengaluru holding official KMF licences. The dealer and his family then distributed the ghee to wholesale and retail shops as well as Nandini parlours, selling it at market prices.
Confirming the involvement of the dealer, KMF managing director B Shivaswamy stated, “One of the accused is a KMF dealer, which facilitated the distribution of the adulterated products.”
The operation was carried out by the CCB special investigation squad in collaboration with the KMF Vigilance Wing, following precise intelligence and coordinated raids.
The arrested have been identified as Mahendra, a KMF distributor; his son Deepak; Muniraju, responsible for transporting adulterated ghee from Tamil Nadu; and driver Abhi Arasu.
Raids were conducted at godowns, shops, and vehicles belonging to Krishna Enterprises in Nanjamba Agrahara, Chamarajpet, which are owned by the accused and their family members. During the operation, a vehicle carrying adulterated ghee from Tamil Nadu was seized along with driver Arasu.
Authorities recovered five mobile phone handsets, four goods vehicles worth Rs 60 lac, Rs 1.19 lac in cash, fake Nandini sachets and bottles containing adulterated ghee, as well as cans of coconut and palm oil used for adulteration.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said, “We received specific information from the KMF Vigilance Wing. The unit producing adulterated ghee was located in Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu. We are gathering further information on the main accused. This racket has been operational for the last two years.”
The bust exposes the scale of food adulteration in the region and highlights the persistent efforts of law enforcement and vigilance agencies to safeguard consumers from fraudulent products.