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Owned by Karnataka Co-operative Milk Producers Federation (KMF), Nandini is one of the most trusted dairy brands in South India with significant market demand.
In a joint operation between the Central Crime Branch Special Investigation Squad and KMF Vigilance Wing, four accused behind the racket were arrested on Friday, November 14.
According to an NDTV report, the accused have been identified as KMF distributor Mahendra, his son Deepak, Muniraju and Abhirasu.
During the operation based on a tip-off, the joint team raided warehouses, shops and vehicles belonging to Krishna Enterprises at Nanjamba Agrahara in Chamarajpet, considered a supply hub.
Police seized property worth crores 8,136 liters of adulterated ghee, machinery, coconut oil and palm oil, five mobile phones including Rs 1.26 crore. 1.19 lakh in cash and four Bolero goods vehicles.
An officer of the CCB Special Investigation Squad said the adulterated ghee was allegedly made in Tamil Nadu using coconut and palm oil, Deccan Herald reported.
The adulterated ghee, packed in fake Nandini sachets and bottles, was then transported to Bengaluru and sold to various wholesale shops, retail outlets and even some Nandini parlors at the market price of the genuine product.
“Understanding the high demand of Nandini ghee in Karnataka, the accused were preparing adulterated ghee in Tamil Nadu, filling it in fake Nandini pouches and plastic bottles and supplying it to the Bengaluru-based accused, who had official KMF licenses,” a statement issued by the office of Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said, reports Times Now.
A case has been registered under the CCB Special Investigation Division, and further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the network. Additionally, officials are awaiting the results of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) tests to confirm the possible use of animal fat in the adulteration process.