The Bengaluru police have successfully dismantled a sophisticated, large-scale interstate network responsible for manufacturing and distributing adulterated ghee under the popular and trusted ‘Nandini’ brand name of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). The crackdown, a coordinated effort based on secret intelligence, led to the arrest of four individuals and the confiscation of property valued at approximately ₹1.27 crore.

The operation was spearheaded by a joint team comprising the Central Crime Branch (CCB) Special Investigation Squad and the KMF Vigilance Wing, highlighting the complexity and multi-jurisdictional nature of the illegal enterprise.

How the Counterfeit Ghee Network Operated

The racket was meticulously structured, exploiting the high demand and strong brand loyalty for Nandini ghee across Karnataka. The network functioned on a two-pronged, cross-state model:

1. Manufacturing and Counterfeiting in Tamil Nadu: The primary production of the spurious ghee occurred outside Karnataka, specifically in Tamil Nadu. The culprits would produce the adulterated ghee using cheaper substitutes, primarily coconut and palm oil, replacing the pure dairy product. This adulterated mixture was then packaged into counterfeit Nandini brand sachets and plastic bottles, which were expertly forged to resemble the original packaging. Machinery used for manufacturing and packing was also part of the seized property.
2. Distribution and Market Integration in Bengaluru: The forged and adulterated products were then transported from Tamil Nadu and supplied to the Bengaluru-based conspirators. These individuals were strategically chosen as they held official KMF licenses, which provided them with a legitimate cover and seamless access to the market.

Leveraging their official distributor status, the Bengaluru-based accused were able to distribute the counterfeit ghee to a wide range of outlets across the city, including wholesale shops, retail shops, and official Nandini parlours. This allowed the fraudulent product to be passed off as original Nandini ghee and sold at the full market price, ensuring maximum profit for the racketeers while duping consumers and compromising public health.

The Police Crackdown and Seizure

The breakthrough came following a period of covert intelligence gathering by the CCB Special Investigation Squad and KMF officers. The surveillance led to a targeted crackdown on Friday against the key elements of the network.

A joint team conducted raids on the godowns, shops, and goods vehicles belonging to Krishna Enterprises in Nanjamba Agrahara, Chamarajpet. These assets were reportedly owned by the main accused and their family members.

During the raids, the authorities successfully intercepted and seized a vehicle actively transporting the adulterated ghee.The driver of the vehicle was promptly arrested, leading to the apprehension of the total of four individuals involved in the racket.

The confiscations were substantial, underscoring the scale of the operation:

• Adulterated Ghee: 8,136 litres
• Adulterants: Large quantities of coconut and palm oil
• Cash Seized: ₹1.19 lakh
• Vehicles: Four goods vehicles used for transportation
• Equipment: Machinery used for manufacturing the adulterated ghee
• Total Seized Property Value: Approximately ₹1.27 crore

A case has been registered at the CCB Special Investigation Division, and the police have confirmed that further investigation is underway to fully uncover the extent of the interstate operation and identify any other individuals involved.