Sriganganagar. In a major crackdown ahead of the Diwali festival, the CID Crime Branch has dismantled a large-scale adulterated ghee operation in Sriganganagar. Acting under the state government's 'Shuddh Aahar-Milawat Par War' campaign, officials raided two separate firms, seizing a total of 22,138 liters of fake and suspicious ghee. The market value of the confiscated goods is estimated at approximately Rs 1.60 crore.
The operation was initiated following intelligence reports that palm oil sourced from Surat, Gujarat, was being mixed with chemicals to produce counterfeit ghee. Furthermore, investigators discovered that expired ghee was being repackaged and sold as fresh cow ghee at lower prices across the district. Three individuals, identified as Ram Tayal, Mukesh Kumar, and Vikas Kumar, have been arrested in connection with the racket.
During the search of Ananya Trading Company, authorities recovered 16,394 liters of fake ghee marketed under various brand names including Trisalva, Bansuri, Shrinand, and Mayra. The facility was equipped with packing machines and gas burners, which were used to apply new labels and expiry dates to old or returned stock. Officials also seized Rs 3.50 lakh in cash, believed to be proceeds from the illegal sales, along with mobile phones and a vehicle used for distribution.
A second raid at New Vijay Trading Company resulted in the seizure of 5,744 liters of suspicious ghee. Food safety officers have collected samples from this location for laboratory analysis to determine the extent of the adulteration. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities currently inspecting additional warehouses and firms linked to the supply chain.
The operation involved a coordinated effort between the CID Crime Branch, local police, and the Food Safety Department. Officials emphasized that this campaign aims to ensure the availability of pure food products for the public and to take strict action against those compromising consumer health for profit. Further legal proceedings against the accused are underway as the investigation expands.