In a major crackdown on food adulteration, police in Surat seized over 2,029 kilograms of fake ghee worth approximately ₹14.19 lakh, uncovering a well-organised operation that had been running for nearly two years.
The raid was conducted by the Special Operations Group (SOG) under “Operation Shuddhi”, targeting the illegal manufacture and distribution of adulterated dairy products.
Raid at Industrial Unit and Godown
Authorities carried out coordinated raids at:
- A factory operating under the name Sabka Foods in Sachin GIDC
- A storage facility in Talangpor, Choryasi taluka
The operation was based on technical surveillance and human intelligence inputs.
Total Seizure Worth ₹36 Lakh
Police recovered:
- Adulterated ghee worth ₹14,19,960
- Machinery, raw materials, and equipment worth ₹21,61,570
Total seizure value: ₹36,36,530
Cash and mobile phones were also confiscated.
Two accused—Bharat Polara (48) and Amin Vadhwaniya (45)—were arrested, and a case has been registered at the local police station.
How the Adulteration Was Done
Investigators revealed a systematic and sophisticated adulteration process:
- Small quantities of pure ghee mixed with palm oil, vegetable ghee, and vegetable butter
- Artificial essence added to mimic cow ghee aroma
- Synthetic colouring used to replicate natural yellow colour
- Chemicals measured precisely—even using syringes—to avoid detection
Product that looked and smelled like real ghee but was largely fake.
Customized Fake Ghee Supply
The accused reportedly produced different grades based on buyer demand:
- Low-cost variants: Mostly vegetable oils
- High-cost variants: Small percentage of real ghee
- Sold wholesale at ₹600–₹650/kg
- Retailed up to ₹1,000/kg
Wide Distribution Network
Fake ghee was marketed under brand names like:
- Vidur Cow Ghee
- Desi Ghee
Distribution channels included:
- Grocery shops in low-income areas
- Hotels and roadside eateries
- Highway food outlets
Authorities suspect the network extended across South Gujarat and nearby regions.
Police Statement
Rajdeepsinh Nakum said the accused had been running the operation for over two years, producing and supplying adulterated ghee tailored to market demand.
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Food Safety Concern
This case highlights serious risks associated with:
- Dairy adulteration
- Consumer health hazards
- Lack of traceability in informal supply chains
Such practices violate norms set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which strictly prohibits adulteration and mandates quality standards for dairy products.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are now working to identify:
- Additional traders and distributors
- The full extent of the supply chain
Further arrests are likely as the probe expands.
Bottom Line
This incident exposes how profit-driven adulteration can compromise food safety at scale, reinforcing the need for:
- Strong regulatory enforcement
- Consumer awareness
- Traceable supply chains
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