Bengaluru authorities have busted a major adulteration racket involving Nandini ghee, one of South India’s most trusted dairy brands. The accused allegedly exploited the product’s high demand by producing fake ghee and passing it off as genuine.
The scam came to light after unusual supply patterns triggered internal checks. On Friday, November 14, a joint team from the Central Crime Branch Special Investigation Squad and the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) Vigilance Wing conducted raids based on secret intelligence. Godowns, shops, and vehicles linked to Krishna Enterprises in Chamarajpet’s Nanjamba Agrahara, believed to be the main supply hub, were targeted.
Authorities intercepted a vehicle transporting adulterated ghee from Tamil Nadu, packed in fake Nandini sachets and plastic bottles. Preliminary investigations suggest the ghee may have been mixed with poor-grade palm oil, coconut oil, or even animal fat.
The operation led to the seizure of assets worth Rs 1.26 crore, including 8,136 liters of adulterated ghee valued at Rs 56.95 lakh, machinery for producing fake ghee, raw oils, five mobile phones, Rs 1.19 lakh in cash, and four Bolero goods vehicles worth Rs 60 lakh.
The accused — Mahendra (a KMF distributor), his son Deepak, Muniraju, and Abhiarasu — have been arrested. A case has been registered under the CCB Special Investigation Division, and further forensic testing is underway to determine the full extent of adulteration.
Police are investigating the distribution network and potential public health impact, emphasizing that such scams compromise consumer trust and safety.
