In a major crackdown on food adulteration, Uttar Pradesh police have busted a racket selling pulses and gram flour under the fake Rajdhani brand. The operation was conducted in the Meerut region, where authorities seized large quantities of adulterated products and raw materials.
Raids and Seizures
Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of police and food safety officials raided multiple godowns and packaging units in the Modipuram area. They recovered over 50 quintals of adulterated pulses, including arhar (pigeon pea) and chana (chickpea), along with 30 quintals of gram flour (besan) packaged under the counterfeit Rajdhani label. The seized goods are estimated to be worth around Rs 1.5 crore.
According to officials, the accused were mixing cheaper grains and artificial colors with the pulses to mimic the appearance of the genuine Rajdhani brand. The gram flour was found to contain adulterants like chalk powder and other harmful substances.
Arrests and Legal Action
Police arrested three individuals identified as Ramesh Kumar, Suresh Pal, and Manoj Gupta, who were operating the fake packaging unit. They have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Food Safety and Standards Act. A case has been registered at the Modipuram police station.
“The accused were using high-quality packaging that looked identical to the original Rajdhani brand to deceive consumers. We are investigating the supply chain and possible links to other states,” said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Meerut, Rohit Singh Sajwan.
Impact on Consumers
The fake products were being sold in local markets and possibly supplied to other districts. Officials have warned consumers to check for authenticity labels and buy from trusted retailers. The incident has raised concerns about food safety in the region.
Food Safety Officer Dr. Anil Kumar said, “Consumption of such adulterated items can cause serious health issues, including digestive problems and long-term toxicity. We advise people to report any suspicious products to the helpline.”
The raid is part of a larger drive by the Uttar Pradesh government to curb food adulteration and ensure quality standards. Further investigations are underway to trace the source of raw materials and the extent of the network.
