In a significant crackdown, the Bengaluru Police has dismantled a major interstate racket involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit Nandini ghee. The operation led to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of adulterated products valued at a staggering Rs 1.26 crore.
The Bust and The Arrests
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) Special Investigation Squad spearheaded the operation, which uncovered the elaborate scheme. According to a CCB officer, the accused were not operating locally but were instead manufacturing the fake ghee in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. The illicit operation involved creating a spurious product by mixing cheaper oils to mimic the popular Nandini brand ghee.
The Manufacturing Process Unveiled
Investigations revealed that the accused used a blend of coconut oil and palm oil to produce the adulterated ghee. This counterfeit product was then packaged and labeled to look identical to the authentic Nandini ghee, a trusted brand from the Karnataka Milk Federation. The racket was designed to deceive consumers and profit from the brand's stellar reputation for quality.
Implications and Ongoing Investigation
This bust highlights a serious threat to public health and food safety standards. The consumption of adulterated dairy products can have severe health consequences. The Bengaluru police have confirmed that the four accused are in custody and a deeper investigation is underway to trace the entire supply chain, including other potential distributors and retailers involved in the scam. The case was officially reported on 15 November 2025.
