Maharashtra FDA raids seize suspected adulterated milk; 13 arrested across districts

Maharashtra FDA Busts Alleged ₹11.48-Crore Synthetic Milk Racket; 13 Arrested After Multi-District Raids | VIDEO

Mumbai, July 6: In one of Maharashtra's biggest crackdowns on food adulteration, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has busted an organised synthetic milk racket that allegedly transformed a dangerous cocktail of detergent, shampoo, palm oil, skimmed milk powder (SMP), whey/dairy permeate powder, and emulsifiers into fake milk before supplying it across the state. The shocking revelations have triggered concerns that thousands of unsuspecting families may have consumed the adulterated milk every day.Statewide Raids ConductedActing on intelligence inputs, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Pune Rural Police's Local Crime Branch, dismantled what officials described as the state's largest organised synthetic milk network.Simultaneous raids were conducted at 13 locations across Pune, Ahilyanagar, Solapur, Jalna, and Thane, targeting every link in the illegal chain—from suppliers of adulteration chemicals and milk collection centres to chilling plants, processing units, and distributors. Detergent, shampoo, palm oil and chemicals allegedly mixed into milk!Maharashtra FDA busted a synthetic milk racket, destroyed 20,000 litres of suspected fake milk, and arrested 13 accused. Imagine your child drinking detergent milk?. #MilkAdulteration #Maharashtra #FoodSafety pic.twitter.com/9D4CVrOSuP— Amit Srivastava (@s_amit007) July 6, 2026काळजी करू नका भेसळ फक्त आपणच नाही मंत्री, आमदार, खासदार, उद्योजक, डॉक्टर सगळेच खात आहेत. मुसळधार पावसातात भारतातील सर्वात मोठे भेसळ रॅकेट महाराष्ट्रत उघड झाले आहे. pic.twitter.com/9qOqxBF1aK— Ram. (@fornaxAR) July 6, 2026The operation led to the seizure of adulteration material and assets worth Rs 11.48 crore, destruction of nearly 20,000 litres of suspected synthetic milk, collection of 49 samples for laboratory testing, suspension of five food business licences, closure of four establishments, and registration of criminal cases against 26 accused, of whom 13 have been arrested so far.How The Racket OperatedThe investigation revealed a disturbing modus operandi. The accused allegedly mixed water, skimmed milk powder, and whey/dairy permeate powder to mimic milk solids, added palm oil to replace natural milk fat, emulsifiers to stabilise the mixture, and even detergent and shampoo to create the foamy appearance and texture of fresh milk. The synthetic concoction was then blended with genuine milk before being supplied to the market, allowing the racket to generate huge profits at minimal cost while putting consumers' health at serious risk.Investigators identified Sushant Babanrao Hinge as the alleged kingpin of the network, while Sandeep Loba allegedly coordinated the operations. The probe found that adulteration materials were regularly supplied to farmers, milk collection centres, chilling units, and packaging facilities before the fake milk entered the consumer supply chain. Authorities are now scrutinising financial transactions, electronic evidence, and interstate connections to uncover the racket's complete network.Investigation ContinuesCases have been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The arrested accused have been remanded to police custody, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.Also Watch: Maharashtra FDA Launches Statewide Drive Against Milk Adulteration, Tightens Compliance Across Supply Chain"Milk is a lifeline for children, pregnant women, senior citizens and patients. Mixing chemicals into such an essential food is a grave crime against society. This operation didn't just seize adulterated milk—we dismantled the entire supply chain, from chemical suppliers to collection centres, transporters, processing units and distributors. The investigation will now trace financial transactions and interstate links, and every person involved will face strict action under BNS and the Food Safety and Standards Act," said Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

1 hour ago

Police, FDA Bust Inter-District Milk Adulteration Racket In Maharashtra; 13 Arrested

Pune, Jul 6: Police and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have busted an inter-district milk adulteration racket, arresting 13 people and seizing material worth more than Rs 2 crore in Maharashtra's Pune district, officials said on Monday.Also Watch:Raids across multiple districtsThe Pune rural police and FDA conducted raids in Manchar, believed to be the main hub of the racket, and at Akluj, Ahilyanagar, Sillod and Sangli, they said.Investigations have revealed that the accused allegedly mixed around 500 litres of chemically prepared synthetic milk with every 1,000 litres of genuine milk before supplying it to the market.Nashik: Major FDA Crackdown On Milk Adulteration; ₹17.37 Lakh Milk Powder Seized In SinnarUse of hazardous adulterantsOfficials said the synthetic milk was prepared using chemicals, milk powder and shampoo, among other ingredients.The joint operation was carried out under the guidance of Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill and FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, and the raids were conducted by a 30-member team of the Pune Rural Local Crime Branch, along with more than 20 FDA staffers.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

2 hours ago

Nashik: Major FDA Crackdown On Milk Adulteration; ₹17.37 Lakh Milk Powder Seized In Sinnar

Nashik: Amidst rising complaints regarding milk adulteration in Nashik district, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted a major raid in the Shah area and surrounding villages of Sinnar Taluka. During a raid carried out on Saturday night (February 4) at Rampur-Putalewadi, an illegal stock of milk powder valued at ₹17,37,529 was seized. A case has been registered at the Wavi Police Station against Prashant Rohidas Kale (age 23), a resident of Rampur-Putalewadi, in connection with this matter. Since assuming office, the new FDA Commissioner, Tukaram Mundhe, has launched a statewide campaign against adulteration. As part of this initiative, an FDA team led by Nashik Divisional Joint Commissioner Mangesh Mane arrived in the eastern part of Sinnar Taluka on Saturday. Nashik: Mission Green Monsoon Sees 6,000 Saplings Planted, One Lakh Trees Targeted Ahead Of Kumbh Mela According to the complaint filed by Food Safety Officer Sandeep Torane, a large stock of milk powder was found in Prashant Kale's possession, despite him lacking any valid food license or purchase-sale documentation. It is suspected that this stock was intended for use in milk adulteration. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Food Safety and Standards Act, and Sub-Inspector Pramod Sarovar is conducting further investigations. Reports indicate that the FDA team also inspected other locations linked to milk adulteration. Action has been taken against khoya (condensed milk solids) production centres, and officials have hinted that they are keeping a close watch on the "big fish" involved in this network. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the FDA and Pune Rural Police conducted a major operation in the Manchar, Ambegaon, and Shirur areas. Thirteen individuals were detained during this operation, and samples of milk and khoya were seized. It is suspected that two major companies from the district are involved in this adulteration. The FDA administration has stated that official information regarding the ongoing operations in Nashik and Pune districts will be released soon.

4 hours ago