Delhi Shop Owner Arrested for Selling Expired Food and Cosmetics, 900 Kg Seized
In a shocking case of consumer fraud and public health endangerment, police in southwest Delhi have arrested a shop owner for allegedly selling expired food products and cosmetics to unsuspecting customers near the Kapashera border. The illegal operation, which involved items ranging from peanut butter to baby food supplements, was uncovered following a police raid that led to the arrest of the accused, identified as Abdul Mannan Khan.
Police Operation Uncovers Widespread Fraud
According to police officials, specific information was received on April 8 regarding a shop operating near the MCD toll plaza at the Kapashera border that was selling expired food and cosmetic products at discounted rates. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sanjeev Yadav stated that to verify this input, decoy customers were deployed who purchased various food items from the shop.
Upon examination, these items were confirmed to be expired and were being sold at reduced prices to attract customers. The police team subsequently raided the premises and arrested the shopkeeper. Officials from the Food Safety and Drug Control Department were immediately called to the scene, where they collected samples for further testing and analysis.
Consumer Complaint and Seizure Details
During the raid, a woman present at the shop complained that she had purchased food items from the outlet just one day earlier and discovered that all of them were expired. Based on her complaint, a formal case was registered against the shop owner.
Police investigation revealed that Khan had been procuring expired, near-expiry, or damaged food and cosmetic products from various sources at throwaway prices. These items were stored at his premises and sold to customers at discounted rates to attract higher footfall and generate quick profits, according to official statements.
The seized items included a wide variety of products totaling approximately 900 kilograms. These comprised maida, sooji, poha, rawa, various spices, peanut butter, baby food supplements, pulses, dairy products, and a range of cosmetic and personal care items. In addition, dairy products such as curd and cheese weighing approximately 2,000 kilograms were destroyed on-site as per prescribed procedures in the presence of food safety officials.
Background of the Accused and Separate Counterfeit Case
The arrest was made by a team led by Inspector Yashendra Singh. Police revealed that Khan, who was previously a street vegetable vendor, came into contact with warehouse personnel during that period, which exposed him to the trade in expired and near-expiry products.
In a separate but related development, police also arrested three individuals for allegedly manufacturing and selling counterfeit two-wheeler spare parts and packaging material worth approximately Rs 10 lakh. Following coordinated raids in Inderlok, Jhandewalan, and the Mangolpuri Industrial Area, the accused—identified as Riyazuddin (51), Anil Kumar (60), and Arjun Kumar (49)—were apprehended, and a printing and manufacturing unit was uncovered.
Police seized substantial evidence from this operation, including:
- Approximately 1,040 pairs of fake brake shoes
- 50 bundles of packaging material
- Nearly 14,000 MRP stickers
- 400 cardboard boxes
- 67,370 plastic packing pieces bearing fake logos
- 10 printed rolls used for branding
These cases highlight ongoing concerns about consumer safety and the need for vigilant enforcement against fraudulent practices that pose serious health risks to the public.
