Fake milk racket busted in Junagadh; one nabbed for supplying 800 litres daily to two dairies

Junagadh: The Junagadh Crime Branch has busted a racket involving the production of adulterated milk at a house in Dungarpur village. The operation was carried out as part of an ongoing state-wide special drive against the production and sale of adulterated milk, ghee and paneer.

Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Branch, in a joint operation with a Food Inspector, raided the residence of Iqbal Ibrahim Chauhan in the Chandni Chowk area of Dungarpur village and allegedly found him preparing adulterated milk using milk powder, palmolein oil and water.

Authorities seized material worth ₹86,640 from the premises, including around 35 litres of adulterated milk, 13 tins of palmolein oil, packets of Sagar and Amul milk powder, and loose milk powder.

According to the investigation, Chauhan had allegedly been manufacturing adulterated milk at his residence for the past four to five months.

The accused allegedly bought palmolein oil and milk powder from Mendarda and mixed the oil, milk powder and water in a mixer to prepare a thick liquid resembling milk. The adulterated mixture was then mixed with genuine milk before being supplied to private dairies.

Investigators said Chauhan supplied around 20 to 22 cans of milk, or approximately 800 litres, twice a day, in the morning and evening, to two private dairies.

The dairies were operated by Dayabhai Rabari in Nagalpur village and Mitulbhai Patel in Nandarkhi village.

According to the investigation, Mitulbhai Patel collected around 1,200 to 1,500 litres of milk daily from surrounding villages, cooled it and sent it to the Maliya Chilling Center.

Similarly, Dayabhai Rabari reportedly collected around 1,500 to 2,000 litres of milk daily, which was sent to Sorath Dairy near Vadla Phatak.

Following the raid, the Food Inspector collected samples of the adulterated milk as well as the ingredients allegedly used in its preparation. The samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for testing.

An entry has been made in the station diary of Junagadh Taluka Police Station, and further legal proceedings are underway.

DeshGujarat