Five arrested in Kolar for manufacturing fake milk using chemical substances
Kolar:In a major crackdown on food adulteration, KGF police have busted an illegal unit involved in manufacturing fake milk using chemical substances and arrested five persons in connection with the case. The raid was carried out near Ballagere village in KGF taluk, where the accused were allegedly producing and distributing adulterated milk posing a serious threat to public health.
The arrested accused have been identified as Dilip, Balaraj, Venkateshappa, Balaji and Manohar, all natives of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. According to the police, the accused had set up a clandestine operation in a secluded area and were manufacturing synthetic milk by mixing various chemical and non-dairy substances.
During the raid, police seized adulteration materials and equipment worth approximately ₹22 lakh. The seized items include palm oil, milk powder, ‘Pushti’ nutritional powder supplied to anganwadi children, laddus, milk cans and two luggage autorickshaws used for transporting the fake milk. The large quantity of seized material indicates that the operation was being carried out on a commercial scale, supplying adulterated milk to unsuspecting consumers.
Police officials stated that the accused were using palm oil and milk powder to create a milk-like substance, while nutritional supplements meant for anganwadi children were allegedly misused to enhance the appearance and thickness of the fake milk. Such practices not only amount to economic offences but also pose severe health risks, especially to children, elderly people and those with weak immunity.
Food Safety Department officials were immediately informed after the seizure. The seized materials have been handed over to food safety officers for detailed examination and laboratory testing to determine the exact chemical composition and the level of health hazard posed by the adulterated milk. Based on the test reports, additional charges under the Food Safety and Standards Act are likely to be invoked against the accused.
The case falls under the jurisdiction of the Andersonpet Police Station. Senior police officers stated that preliminary investigation suggests the fake milk was being supplied to nearby areas in KGF and surrounding localities. Efforts are now underway to identify the distribution network and trace where the adulterated milk was being sold.
Police have also launched an investigation to find out whether similar adulteration units are operating elsewhere in the district and whether the accused have links with larger interstate food adulteration networks.
Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to food products, especially milk and dairy items. They have also advised consumers to purchase milk only from authorised and reliable sources to avoid falling prey to adulteration.
The accused have been produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Further investigation is in progress.
