Himmatnagar: In a major crackdown, the Sabarkantha Special Operations Group (SOG) on Friday detained a trader from Singa village in Idar taluka for allegedly manufacturing and selling fake milk. Officials seized around 200 liters of suspected adulterated milk from his residence and sent samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed analysis.

According to the SOG, the accused, identified as Sunil Sharma, had been secretly producing and distributing fake milk for a long time. Acting on a tip-off, the SOG team raided Sharma’s house, where they recovered large quantities of chemically prepared milk.

During questioning, Sharma revealed that he used soybean oil, Maltodextrin, and milk powder to prepare the fake product, which he then sold to unsuspecting consumers. Officials have alerted the Food and Drugs Department, urging swift action under food safety regulations.

A case has been registered at Jadar Police Station, and Sharma remains in custody while investigators probe the source of the chemicals and the scale of the operation.

Residents across rural areas of Himmatnagar, Prantij, Talod, Idar, Vadali, Khedbrahma, and Poshina have expressed growing concern over the rise of private mini-dairies that allegedly extract cream and fat from milk before reselling diluted or adulterated products at cheaper rates. Locals are demanding strict inspections and decisive action to curb such malpractices that pose serious health risks.