CRIME BRANCH CENTRAL RANGE BUSTS ADULTERATED DESI GHEE RACKET IN MAJOR FESTIVE SEASON CRACKDOWN • TOTAL 1,625 KG DESI GHEE SEIZED • 3 ILLEGAL MANUFACTURING UNITS HAVE BEEN BUSTED • SIX PERSONS ARRESTED IN MAJOR FESTIVE SEASON CRACKDOWN In a major crackdown ahead of the festive season, the Central Range of Crime Branch, Delhi Police, has busted three illegal manufacturing units of adulterated desi ghee operating in North-East Delhi. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the teams conducted coordinated raids at Shiv Vihar, Karawal Nagar, and Mustafabad, resulting in the seizure of 1,625 kg of adulterated desi ghee and the arrest of six accused persons involved in large-scale adulteration. The operation was launched in view of intelligence inputs regarding massive adulteration in desi ghee to exploit the increasing demand during Dussehra and Diwali season. The crackdown was carried out to safeguard public health, ensure compliance with food safety standards, and prevent spurious products from reaching unsuspecting consumers. DETAILS OF OPERATION: A dedicated team led by Inspector Veer Singh, comprising SI Abodh Sharma, SI Naveen Dahiya, ASI Deep Chand, HC Manish Kumar, HC Manoj, HC Vinod, HC Sanjay, HC Sukram Pal, Ct. Sumit, W/Ct. Monika, W/Ct. Neha Kaushik and W/Ct. Kalpana Saroj and carried out three successive raids: First Raid – At H.No. 101/1B, Gali No. 17, Shiv Vihar, Karawal Nagar, one accused Safiq (30 yrs) was arrested. Recovery: Total 33 tins containing total 520 kg duplicate desi ghee, chemicals/medicines used in manufacturing. Second Raid – At H.No. 420 G, Gali No. 21, Phase-7, Shiv Vihar, four accused were apprehended: Yusuf Malik (50 yrs), his son Mehboob (22 yrs), Shakir (Ghaziabad), and Sharukh (Ghaziabad). Recovery: Total 28 tins containing total 440 kg duplicate desi ghee, chemical substances, gas cylinders, stoves, and manufacturing equipment. Third Raid – At H.No. 852/12, Gali No. 9, Old Mustafabad, accused Zamaluddin (30 yrs) was arrested. Recovery: Total 44 tins containing 665 kg duplicate desi ghee, chemicals, gas cylinders, and other articles. The raids successfully dismantled three clandestine units engaged in large-scale production and distribution of fake desi ghee. TOTAL RECOVERY: 1,625 kg of adulterated desi ghee. Chemicals/medicines used in adulteration. Gas cylinders, stoves, and manufacturing equipment’s. PROFILE OF ACCUSED Safiq (30 years) Resident of Old Mustafabad, Delhi. Uneducated; learned the process of manufacturing adulterated desi ghee from his friend a few years ago. Later started his own illegal business of producing adulterated desi ghee using harmful chemicals to earn quick profits. Yusuf Malik (50 years) Resident of Old Mustafabad, Delhi. Studied up to 7th class. A habitual offender arrested 3–4 years ago in Sarai Rohilla for similar adulteration activities. After release, shifted base to Mustafabad and restarted the illegal business of producing duplicate desi ghee. His son, Mehboob, actively assisted him in this operation. Mehboob (22 years) Son of accused Yusuf Malik studied up to 10th class. Directly assisted his father in manufacturing and distribution of adulterated desi ghee. Shakir (Ghaziabad, UP, studied up to 4th class) Unemployed and in touch with Yusuf Malik for few months. Used to buy duplicate ghee at low prices from Yusuf Malik and sell it at higher prices to different milk dairies. Sharukh (Ghaziabad, UP, studied up to 12th class) Associate of Shakir, unemployed. Partnered with Shakir in resale and distribution of duplicate ghee to dairies and shops. Zamaluddin (40 years) Resident of Old Mustafabad, Delhi. Studied up to 2nd class. Unemployed came in contact with his friend Anish who trained him in the process of adulteration. Later started his own small-scale production unit with the help of associates. Involved in large-scale adulteration using unsafe chemicals. MODUS OPERANDI: During interrogation, the accused disclosed that they purchased Dalda (vanaspati ghee) and cheap refined oil in bulk, which were heated and mixed to imitate pure desi ghee. To mimic authentic flavor, chemical-based flavoring agents, synthetic color, and unsafe substances were added. The product was then packed in tins and packets resembling genuine brands and supplied to dairies, shops, and distributors, especially during the festive season. This crude and hazardous process not only deceived consumers but posed a serious health risk. LEGAL ACTION: A case has been registered under FIR No. 284/2025, dated 02.10.2025, U/s 271/272/274/275/318/61/3(5) BNS Act & Sec. 3(1)(ZZ)/59 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 at PS Crime Branch, Delhi. Further investigation is underway to identify the wider supply chain and other conspirators involved. PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING ADULTERATED DESI GHEE AND PRODUCTION/SELLING COST: During interrogation, the accused persons revealed that the duplicate desi ghee was prepared by first purchasing Dalda (vanaspati ghee) and low-quality refined oil in bulk from the market at cheap rates. These materials were then heated and thoroughly mixed in large vessels to give them the texture and appearance of pure desi ghee. To further enhance the flavor, aroma, and color, chemical-based flavoring agents and other unsafe substances were added. Finally, the adulterated mixture was packed in tins and packets resembling genuine desi ghee brands and supplied to local dairies, shops, and small distributors, especially during the festive season. This crude process not only misleads consumers but also poses a serious threat to public health. Accused persons disclosed that the production cost of adulterated desi ghee is per tin approx 1300-1400 rupees and they are selling it in 3500-4000 rupees per tin in the market. “The seizure of 1,625 kg of duplicate desi ghee ahead of the festive season has prevented a major public health hazard. Delhi Police remain committed to cracking down on adulteration rackets that endanger the health and safety of citizens.” (VIKRAM SINGH), IPS Deputy Commissioner of Police Crime Branch, Delhi