Mumbai Police bust milk racket, seize 74 litres adulterated milk with Amul, Gokul labels; accused held
Mumbai Police Bust Milk Racket in Kandivali Raid
Bharatmorningnews.com – Mumbai Police have successfully busted a milk racket operating in Kandivali East, seizing 74 litres of adulterated milk during a coordinated early morning operation. The enforcement action targeted a local suspect who was caught mixing impure water into branded milk pouches before they were dispatched for commercial distribution. This latest intervention by the Mumbai Police demonstrates their ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health against food adulteration.
The Detection Squad under Samta Nagar Police Station conducted the raid at a residential premises where the accused, a 48-year-old man, was actively adulterating milk. Authorities recovered the contaminated product, which bore the prominent Amul and Gokul brand labels. The seized milk was found to contain excessive water content, significantly reducing its nutritional value and quality for consumers.
"The Detection Squad of @SamtaNagarPS raided a residence in Kandivali East and caught a 48-year-old man red-handed while adulterating branded milk with impure water for sale," the official statement confirmed.
Parallel Enforcement Actions
In a related development, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has separately arrested four individuals involved in a counterfeit packaging operation. These accused persons were manufacturing fake milk pouches by printing genuine Amul and Gokul logos on empty containers. The counterfeit pouches were being sold to local distributors at ₹2.50 each, who would then fill them with adulterated milk and sell to end consumers at regular market rates.
Legal proceedings have been initiated against both sets of accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Food Safety and Standards Act. The Mumbai Police have emphasized that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of compromising food quality and endangering public health through adulteration practices.
Broader Dairy Sector Updates
Meanwhile, Maharashtra's food regulatory framework has seen significant developments. Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued an order on July 30 restricting analogue cheese products within the state. The directive prohibits the manufacture, packaging, processing, storage, transportation, and sale of non-dairy or artificial cheese across Maharashtra.
Consumers should also note that milk prices across Maharashtra are set to increase by ₹2 per litre starting August 11. Dairy stakeholders cited rising operational costs as the primary reason for this price adjustment, which will affect both fresh milk and processed dairy products in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the milk racket busted by Mumbai Police? The operation was conducted in Kandivali East, with the Detection Squad of Samta Nagar Police Station leading the raid.
How much adulterated milk was seized? Authorities confiscated 74 litres of contaminated milk bearing Amul and Gokul brand labels.
What legal provisions apply to the accused? Cases have been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Food Safety and Standards Act.
When will milk prices increase in Maharashtra? Milk prices are scheduled to rise by ₹2 per litre starting August 11, 2024.