In a significant crackdown on public health hazards, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has dismantled a sophisticated racket involved in the large-scale sale of expired imported food items, cosmetics, and other consumables across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The operation led to the arrest of seven individuals, including the alleged mastermind.
The Raid and Seizure
Acting on a specific tip-off, a team from the Crime Branch conducted a raid at a godown located in the Libaspur area of Northwest Delhi. The raid, which took place recently, uncovered a shocking stockpile of expired products. Police seized a massive consignment of items past their use-by dates, with an estimated market value running into crores of rupees.
The seized goods included a wide range of imported products that are popular among consumers. The list comprised expired chocolates, energy drinks, canned foods, packaged snacks, health supplements, and premium cosmetics. These items, originally imported from various countries, had long passed their safe consumption period but were being prepared for sale to unsuspecting customers.
Modus Operandi of the Racket
Investigations revealed a well-organized operation. The accused would allegedly procure stocks of imported items that had either expired or were nearing their expiry date from importers and distributors at heavily discounted rates. The primary accused, identified as Ravinder Kumar, is said to be the kingpin who orchestrated this network.
The racket's process was methodical. After acquiring the expired goods, the accused would meticulously remove or alter the original expiry dates printed on the packaging. They would then re-pack and re-label the products with new, fraudulent dates, making them appear fresh and fit for sale. These tampered products were subsequently supplied to various retail shops, supermarkets, and online marketplaces operating in Delhi and the surrounding NCR regions.
Arrests and Police Action
Following the raid, the police swiftly moved to apprehend the individuals involved. A total of seven people were arrested in connection with the case. Apart from the alleged mastermind Ravinder Kumar, the other arrested accused have been named as Joginder, Praveen, Naveen, Manish, Karan, and Happy.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the law, including those pertaining to cheating, forgery, and endangering the life or personal safety of others by selling adulterated food. Authorities are now delving deeper into the supply chain to identify and act against the retail outlets that were purchasing and selling these hazardous products. The investigation is also focusing on tracing the financial trail and the full extent of the network's operations over time.
Public Health Implications and Warnings
This bust highlights a severe threat to public health and safety. Consuming expired food products can lead to serious food poisoning, infections, and long-term health issues. Expired cosmetics can cause skin allergies, rashes, and severe reactions. The police have issued a strong advisory to consumers to be extremely vigilant.
Shoppers are urged to carefully check the manufacturing and expiry dates on all packaged products, especially imported goods, before purchasing them. They should also be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they might involve such tampered stock. The police have encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity or sale of dubious products to the authorities immediately.
The successful operation by the Delhi Police Crime Branch underscores the ongoing efforts to safeguard citizens from unscrupulous traders who prioritize profit over public well-being. It serves as a stern warning to those involved in similar illegal activities across the city and the country.
