In a significant crackdown on food adulteration, the Jalandhar police have busted a major racket involved in the production and distribution of fake salt. The operation led to the seizure of a massive stockpile of spurious product and the arrest of one key individual.
Raid Uncovers Large-Scale Operation
Acting on a tip-off, a police team from the Division Number 5 police station conducted a raid at a godown located in the Basti Bawa Khel area. During the search, authorities discovered and confiscated 1,200 bags of fake salt, each weighing 25 kilograms. This brings the total haul to a staggering 30,000 kilograms (30 metric tonnes) of the adulterated product.
The police have arrested Rajan Kumar, a resident of Basti Bawa Khel, who is alleged to be a central figure in this illicit operation. The raid was carried out under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP, North) Harvinder Singh, showcasing a coordinated effort by the local law enforcement.
Modus Operandi and Public Health Risk
Investigations reveal that the accused were repackaging industrial-grade or low-quality salt into bags designed to mimic popular, trusted consumer brands. This deceptive practice was aimed at duping the public and making illicit profits by selling a potentially harmful product as genuine edible salt.
The consumption of such spurious salt poses a serious threat to public health. Industrial salt may contain harmful impurities and lack the essential iodine mandated for edible salt in India, which is crucial for preventing iodine deficiency disorders. This racket directly endangered the well-being of countless consumers in the region.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
A case has been registered against Rajan Kumar and his associates under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The police are now delving deeper into the network to trace the source of the raw material and identify the distribution channels used to sell the fake salt in the market.
This bust highlights the ongoing challenges of food adulteration in the supply chain. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and purchase food products only from reputable and licensed vendors. They have also advised checking for proper packaging, branding, and the presence of the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) logo as basic precautions.
The Jalandhar police have stated that the investigation is active and more arrests are expected as they work to completely dismantle this hazardous racket. This successful operation serves as a stern warning to those involved in similar illegal activities jeopardizing public safety.
