In a major action against food adulteration in Delhi, the Delhi Police and the Food Safety Department unearthed a large-scale operation producing fake “Avtar Desi Ghee” in the Bawana Industrial Area. During the raid, officials seized 7,600 litres of adulterated ghee and 900 litres of vanaspati and groundnut oil used to manufacture the spurious product.

The crackdown comes just days before major Hindu festivals — Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali — when the consumption of ghee and sweets spikes across the city. Officials said the swift action prevented a potential public health disaster.

Delhi Police Raid in Bawana Industrial Area

Hareshwar Swami, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer-North), said that the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) received a tip-off about large-scale adulteration of dairy products. Acting swiftly, a joint team led by Inspector Pramod Kumar, SI Rohit, ASI Narender, and Head Constables Jaideep and Naveen Hooda, along with officials from the Food Safety Department, raided the premises located at Sai Factory, C-51, Sector-2, Bawana Industrial Area.

“When it was confirmed that the factory was producing fake ‘Avtar Desi Ghee’, a raid was conducted, and 7,600 litres of adulterated ghee and 900 litres of vanaspati and refined oils were recovered,” DCP Swami said.

Adulterated Ghee Made Using Oils, Chemicals, and Essence

According to officials, the fake ghee was prepared by heating and mixing vanaspati oil and refined oils, followed by artificial colouring and essence to replicate the aroma and appearance of pure ghee. The production process was unhygienic, unsafe, and posed severe health hazards, authorities warned.

During the operation, police also recovered gas cylinders, mixing and sealing machines, packaging material, weighing equipment, and bottles of colouring agents and synthetic flavourings used in the adulteration process.

Factory Owner Absconding, Supervisor Arrested

The factory is registered under the name of Madhav Gupta, 26, a resident of Defence Colony, Delhi. Gupta was not present during the raid, but the on-site supervisor, identified as Brijesh, was arrested on the spot.

During interrogation, Brijesh admitted that the adulteration was carried out on Gupta’s instructions. Police have registered a case under Sections 318(4), 274, and 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Bawana Police Station. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the absconding owner and trace the distribution network of fake ghee.

Health Department Issues Warning

A senior Food Safety Department officer stated, “Such adulterated ghee can cause serious digestive, cardiac, and liver-related health issues. Consumers must be vigilant while purchasing ghee and dairy products, especially during festivals.”

The department has sealed the factory premises and sent samples of the seized ghee for laboratory testing.

Public Advised to Stay Alert

Authorities have appealed to the public to buy ghee only from trusted brands and verified retailers and to report any suspected food adulteration activity to the authorities.

This raid highlights the growing menace of food fraud and counterfeit edible products in Delhi’s industrial areas. Officials said more such inspections will be carried out across the city in the coming days to ensure food safety during the festive season.