In a significant crackdown on food adulteration, the Delhi Police has unearthed a major counterfeit desi ghee manufacturing operation in the capital's Alipur area. Authorities confiscated a staggering 1,500 kilograms of fake clarified butter and 55 litres of synthetic essence used in its production, officials revealed on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
The Raid and Seizure
Acting on a specific tip-off received on Tuesday, a team from the Outer North district conducted a targeted raid at the premises of Bansal Agro Food Industries, located in Kheda Kalan, Alipur. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Joint Commissioner of Police (Northern Range) Vijay Singh.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer North) V Hareshwar Swami stated that officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) were integrated into the team following the initial information. The joint team executed the raid following all due legal procedures under the relevant new law.
"During the search, the team found large quantities of ready-for-distribution spurious ghee in tins, cartons, and packets. Samples were also seized by FSSAI for laboratory examination," DCP Swami said.
Scale and Modus Operandi of the Racket
The factory was allegedly involved in the systematic manufacturing and packaging of fake desi ghee under multiple popular brand names. This fraudulent product was then supplied across Delhi and various neighbouring states, posing a significant health risk to consumers.
Police identified the mastermind behind the operation as Gyanendra Singh, a resident of Burari. Shockingly, Singh has allegedly been involved in manufacturing fake desi ghee since 1995 and shifted his operations to the current Alipur premises in 2014.
The detailed seizure from the unit included:
- 50 tins of 15 litres each.
- 10 cartons containing 30 packets (500 ml) per carton.
- 9 cartons of 1-litre packets.
- Multiple other tins and 11 plastic cans of 5 litres each of various brands.
- 55 litres of synthetic essence used to mimic the aroma of pure ghee.
Legal Action and Ongoing Probe
An FIR (First Information Report) has been formally registered in connection with the case, and a comprehensive investigation has been launched to trace the entire supply chain and identify all individuals involved. The collaboration with FSSAI is crucial for determining the exact chemical composition of the seized spurious material and assessing the full extent of the health hazard.
This raid highlights the persistent issue of food adulteration in the market, especially concerning daily-use commodities like ghee, which is a staple in Indian households. It serves as a stern warning from enforcement agencies about their vigilance against such illicit activities that jeopardize public health for profit.
