In a significant breakthrough, Bengaluru's Central Crime Branch has dismantled a major counterfeit Nandini ghee operation that spanned across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The investigation reached its climax with the arrest of the alleged masterminds—a husband-wife duo identified as Shivakumar and Ramya.
The Elaborate Counterfeit Operation
The sophisticated racket came to light after internal checks at Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) detected unusual supply patterns, raising immediate red flags. Acting on a crucial tip-off, a joint team comprising CCB's special investigation squad and KMF vigilance wing officials conducted coordinated raids on November 14.
Investigators targeted godowns, shops, and vehicles linked to Krishna Enterprises in Nanjamba Agrahara, Chamarajpet. The initial operation led to the arrest of four individuals connected to the supply chain, including authorized KMF distributor Mahendra, his son Deepak, and their associate Muniraju.
How the Scam Worked
The investigation revealed a carefully orchestrated scheme where genuine Nandini ghee purchased from Bengaluru was transported to Tiruppur district in Tamil Nadu. There, the couple had established an advanced production unit equipped with industrial-grade machinery specifically designed for mass-producing adulterated products.
At their Tamil Nadu facility, the authentic ghee was systematically diluted with palm oil, coconut oil, and dalda. This dilution process allowed the perpetrators to create up to four liters of fake ghee from every single liter of genuine product. The adulterated mixture was then skillfully repackaged to appear identical to authentic Nandini ghee before being circulated back into markets across both states.
Tracking the Masterminds
CCB officials disclosed that the arrested couple, Shivakumar and Ramya, had previously been involved in similar offenses in Mysuru. The scale and sophistication of their operation became evident during raids when police seized several heavy-duty machines used in the adulteration and repackaging processes.
In a significant financial blow to the racket, authorities have frozen Rs 60 lakh from the couple's bank accounts. Samples of the counterfeit ghee have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed analysis to determine the exact composition and potential health risks.
Interrogation of the arrested duo is currently underway, with investigators working to uncover the wider network involved in this interstate operation. Police are particularly focused on identifying raw material suppliers and potential collaborators who facilitated the distribution of the fake dairy products.
The bust represents a major victory for consumer protection in the region, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by reputable brands like KMF's Nandini in combating sophisticated counterfeit operations.
