Surat Police File Criminal Case Against Analogue Paneer Manufacturer
In a significant crackdown on food adulteration, the Surat city police have registered a criminal case against the operator of an analogue paneer manufacturing unit located in the Pandesara area. The action was initiated after laboratory tests confirmed that seized samples of the paneer were substandard and unfit for consumption.
Accused Booked for Multiple Offences
The accused, identified as Maheshkumar Sharma, aged 40, has been formally charged under various sections of the law. He faces allegations related to the manufacturing and sale of analogue paneer, which is a synthetic or imitation product. Additionally, Sharma has been booked for offences concerning adulterated food and cheating, highlighting the serious nature of the violations.
Coordinated Raid Leads to Major Seizure
The case stems from a meticulously planned raid conducted on March 3 by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Surat city police. This operation was carried out in close coordination with the food and safety department of the Surat Municipal Corporation. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, authorities targeted a manufacturing unit situated in Bhidbhanjan Society within the Pandesara locality.
During the raid, law enforcement officials made a substantial seizure. They confiscated a total of 1,401 kilograms of loose paneer, with an estimated market value of Rs 3.08 lakh. Furthermore, the authorities seized various pieces of machinery essential to the manufacturing process. This equipment included a pasteuriser, a homogeniser, a venturi machine, storage units, and weighing devices. The combined value of this machinery was assessed at approximately Rs 25 lakh.
Additional Evidence and Contraband Recovered
In addition to the paneer and machinery, police recovered several other items that pointed to the scale of the operation. Officials found 1,000 plastic bags intended for packaging the product, along with 3,000 stickers that were labelled as "Non-brand loose analogue paneer." The raid also uncovered a 10-litre can of acetic acid, which is often used in food processing, 28 empty tins that previously contained palm oil, and 16 tins each holding 15 kilograms of palm oil.
The total value of all seized goods, including the paneer, machinery, and other materials, was estimated to be around Rs 28 lakh. This figure underscores the significant economic impact of the illicit operation.
Laboratory Tests Confirm Substandard Quality
Following the raid, food safety officers took immediate action by sealing the suspected paneer on-site to prevent any further distribution. Samples were carefully collected and sent for rigorous laboratory testing. The results of these tests later confirmed that the paneer was substandard, failing to meet the required safety and quality standards for food products.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities in Surat to combat food adulteration and protect public health. The registration of the criminal case sends a strong message to those involved in the production and sale of adulterated food items, emphasizing the legal consequences of such activities.
