Surat Police Uncover Major Fake Paneer Operation Ahead of Dhuleti Festival
In a significant crackdown on food adulteration, Surat's Special Operations Group (SOG) police dismantled a clandestine duplicate paneer production facility in the Pandesara industrial area on Tuesday. The raid resulted in the seizure of a staggering 1,400 kilograms of non-branded analogue paneer, which was intended for distribution during the upcoming Dhuleti festival celebrations.
Massive Haul and Valuables Recovered
Authorities confiscated the counterfeit paneer, valued at approximately Rs 3.08 lakh, alongside other valuable items totaling Rs 28.44 lakh. Samples of the seized product have been promptly dispatched for laboratory testing, with coordination from Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) food safety officers to determine the exact composition and potential health hazards.
Details of the Illicit Operation
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajdeep Nakum provided insights into the operation, stating, "Acting on a credible tip-off regarding fake paneer production at Bhidbhanjan Society, Unit 278, our team conducted a raid. We discovered 1,400 kg of loose, non-branded analogue paneer. The unit, operated by Mahesh Sharma, was supplying various dairies and eateries across Surat in preparation for Dhuleti."
Police investigations uncovered that Sharma primarily conducted business with several local dairies, including Dharmaraj, Radhekrishna, Om Sai, and Rajkmal. The accused reportedly manufactured around 400 kilograms of paneer daily, selling it at a rate of Rs 220 per kilogram. Shockingly, the production process allegedly involved the use of palmolein oil, milk powder, and acid to create the imitation cheese product.
Equipment and Materials Seized
The illicit plant was situated in an area predominantly occupied by textile units, camouflaging its activities. During the comprehensive raid, police seized numerous items essential to the operation:
- A pasteurising machine and harmoniser for processing
- A weighing scale for portion control
- 1,000 plastic bags and 3,000 stickers for packaging
- 10 litres of acid used in production
- 28 empty palmolein oil tins and 16 filled tins, each weighing 15 kilograms
The total value of all seized materials and equipment reached Rs 28.44 lakh, highlighting the scale of this unauthorized enterprise.
Long-Running Illegal Business
According to police sources, this fraudulent operation has been active for approximately two years, with thousands of kilograms of analogue paneer allegedly sold in the local market during this period. The timing of the raid, just before Dhuleti, suggests authorities aimed to prevent widespread distribution of the adulterated product during the festive season when paneer consumption typically surges.
DCP Nakum emphasized, "We will initiate appropriate legal action once the sample test results are received from the laboratory." This case underscores ongoing concerns about food safety and adulteration in India, particularly during festivals when demand for dairy products peaks. The Surat police's proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to protecting public health and cracking down on illicit food manufacturing practices.
