In a significant crackdown on the illegal production of adulterated food products, the Kanadia police in Indore have successfully dismantled a clandestine factory manufacturing counterfeit pan masala. The operation, conducted within a residential locality, led to the arrest of three individuals and the confiscation of raw materials and equipment valued at more than Rs 5 lakh.
Tip-Off Leads to Major Residential Raid
Acting on specific intelligence about suspicious activities, a police team carried out a surprise raid at a house located in the Sahara City Homes society on the Bicholi Mardana bypass. To their surprise, the premises housed not a simple storage unit but a fully operational, illegal manufacturing setup. The unit was actively producing fake versions of the popular 'Vimal' pan masala brand, directly infringing on its copyright and potentially endangering public health.
Hazardous Ingredients and Seized Equipment
During the detailed inspection of the site, investigators made a concerning discovery. The primary ingredient used in the counterfeit mixture was magnesium carbonate, a substance not meant for human consumption in such forms and posing serious health risks. The police seized a comprehensive range of items used in the illicit operation, which included:
- Pouch packaging and sealing machines.
- An oven dryer and a cutter specifically for betel nuts (supari).
- Multiple rolls of pre-printed, branded packaging material.
- Raw materials like tobacco liquid, lime, and katha.
The scale of the seizure indicates a well-organized operation aimed at flooding the local market with hazardous counterfeit products.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
The police team apprehended three suspects from the location: Akshat Sharma, Javed Qureshi, and Arun Singh. They were immediately taken into custody. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya addressed the media, confirming that the accused have been formally charged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Copyright Act for brand infringement.
"The police are now investigating the supply chain to determine since when these hazardous products were circulating in the local market," stated DCP Dandotiya. This probe is crucial to trace the distribution network and identify other individuals involved in the racket, ensuring that all responsible parties are brought to justice.
The bust highlights a growing concern over the production of spiced tobacco and mouth freshener products in unregulated, residential settings, bypassing all health and safety standards. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any similar suspicious activities.
