Delhi spice scam
Delhi Police busted fake Indian spice manufacturing operations in Karawal Nagar, Delhi. Two makers and one seller of fake Indian spices were caught. The Delhi Police also confiscated two production units, equipment, tempo, and other instruments used in the crime. A total of 15 tonnes of contaminated Indian spices and raw materials were seized.
“Acting on this information, a team was formed, resulting in raids on May 1. During the operation, Singh was found operating one of the processing units, where he was producing adulterated turmeric using non-edible and banned substances such as spoiled leaves, rice, millets, wood dust, chili heads, acids, and oils.” said the DCP.
Further investigations led to the discovery of another processing unit on Kali Khata Road, Karawal Nagar, where Sarfaraj was caught manufacturing adulterated spices, the DCP said.
The Department of Food & Safety was informed, which conducted inspections, and collected samples of the recovered adulterated spices from both factories. Accordingly, a case was registered under relevant sections of the law, and all three accused were arrested,” added DCP Paweriya.
The suspects, identified as Dilip Singh (46), Sarfaraj (32), and Khurseed Malik (42), were found operating these units and supplying the adulterated spices to local markets and vendors in Delhi/NCR.
During the raid, the police discovered substances like rotten leaves, spoiled millets, wood dust, chili heads, acids, and oils being used in the production of counterfeit products. Both Singh and Sarfaraj were apprehended, while Malik was caught manufacturing adulterated spices in another processing unit on Kali Khata Road, Karawal Nagar.
During interrogation, Singh admitted to owning one of the manufacturing units, while Malik confessed to supplying the adulterated spices. Further investigation revealed that the suspects had set up their units to make more profit by producing adulterated spices. Malik, who had been involved in the sale and purchase of clothes, ventured into the adulterated spices business in 2019.
The police have filed a complaint under the necessary sections of the law at the Crime Branch in Delhi. A team from the Crime Branch’s Cyber Cell in Delhi has been asked to keep an eye out for manufacturers and suppliers of tainted spices. Further inquiry is underway.
This comes when Indian spices manufacturers already facing the heat in foreign countries.
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