Major Fake Ghee Racket Busted: Bengaluru Police Dismantle Interstate Nandini Brand Adulteration Network

Cops seized 8,136 liters of adulterated Nandini ghee worth Rs 56.95 lakh.

Bengaluru:

Produced in Tamil Nadu, sold in Bengaluru and consumed across the city with trust - this is the story of counterfeit ghee marketed under the 'Nandini' brand, owned by the Karnataka Co-operative Milk Producer's Federation (KMF). In a significant operation, Bengaluru police have successfully dismantled a large interstate adulteration network that supplied fake Nandini ghee throughout the city. Four individuals involved in operating this racket have been apprehended.

Four men - Mahendra, Deepak, Muniraj and Abhiarasu - were arrested for running the fake Nandini ghee operation.

Nandini, recognized as one of South India's most trusted dairy brands, enjoys substantial market demand. The accused exploited this reputation by producing adulterated ghee and marketing it as authentic product.

The fraudulent operation was discovered after unusual supply patterns triggered internal investigations. On November 14, a joint team comprising members from the Central Crime Branch Special Investigation Squad and the KMF Vigilance Wing tracked down the operation based on confidential intelligence.

Investigators conducted raids on godowns, shops, and vehicles associated with Krishna Enterprises located in Chamarajpet's Nanjamba Agrahara, believed to be the central distribution point.

During the operation, authorities intercepted and seized a vehicle transporting adulterated ghee from Tamil Nadu that was already packaged in counterfeit Nandini sachets and plastic bottles.

Some samples are currently being tested to determine whether animal fat was incorporated in the mixture. Low-quality palm oil and coconut oil were also discovered during the raids.

The police confiscated assets valued at Rs 1.26 crore during these raids. This includes 8,136 liters of adulterated ghee worth Rs 56.95 lakh, equipment used to manufacture fake ghee, coconut and palm oil used for adulteration, five mobile phones, Rs 1.19 lakh in cash, and four Bolero goods vehicles valued at Rs 60 lakh.

A case has been registered with the CCB Special Investigation Division, and further investigation is ongoing, including Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) testing to confirm the extent of adulteration.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Mahendra, a KMF distributor, his son Deepak, Muniraju, and Abhiarasu.