Bengaluru: Bengaluru police on Saturday cracked down on a major interstate network accused of manufacturing and distributing adulterated ghee using counterfeit packaging of the Karnataka Milk Federation’s (KMF) popular ‘Nandini’ brand. The operation led to the arrest of four people and the seizure of large quantities of adulterated products, machinery and vehicles allegedly used in the trade.

Adulterated ghee racket exposed

The central crime branch (CCB), special investigation squad and KMF vigilance wing jointly conducted the operation based on intelligence inputs gathered over several weeks. According to police officials, the racket had been producing adulterated ghee in Tamil Nadu by mixing coconut and palm oil, and then packing it into fake Nandini-branded sachets and plastic bottles.

The adulterated products were then transported to Bengaluru, where they were allegedly distributed through networks that included individuals holding official KMF licences. These distributors supplied the counterfeit ghee to wholesale and retail shops as well as Nandini parlours across the city, passing it off as genuine Nandini ghee and selling it at market price.

Police said the accused capitalised on the increasing demand for Nandini ghee in Karnataka, particularly during festive seasons, to push large quantities of adulterated products into the market.

Seizure of over 8,000 litres of adulterated ghee

During the operation, authorities recovered nearly 8,136 litres of adulterated ghee, large quantities of coconut and palm oil, machinery used to manufacture and pack the fake products, ₹1.19 lakh in cash, and four goods vehicles. According to a statement issued by Bengaluru police commissioner Seemath Kumar Singh’s office, the total estimated value of the seized property stands at ₹1.27 crore.

Officers said the scale of the operation suggests it had been running for a considerable period, with the racketeers establishing a well-organised supply chain between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Raids across Bengaluru

On Friday, a joint team raided multiple godowns, shops and vehicles linked to Krishna Enterprises, located in Nanjamba Agrahara, Chamarajpet. The establishments are reportedly owned by the main accused and their family members. During the raid, a goods vehicle transporting adulterated ghee was intercepted and the driver was arrested on the spot.

Police officials added that the distributors in Bengaluru were fully aware that the product was adulterated, and yet continued to circulate it under the Nandini label, misusing their KMF-approved licences.

How the network operated

Investigators revealed that the adulterated ghee was produced in Tamil Nadu, where the mixing and processing were carried out using unregulated machinery. The counterfeit packaging closely resembled official Nandini sachets and bottles, making it difficult for consumers and retailers to distinguish fake products from genuine ones.

The Bengaluru-based accused played a key role by distributing the fake product through legitimate-looking supply channels. Police are now probing how the counterfeit packaging was sourced and whether more individuals or printing units were involved.

Public health and consumer safety concerns

Officials noted that adulteration of dairy products poses significant risks to public health, especially when low-quality oils are used in place of milk fat. KMF has been coordinating with law enforcement to track down counterfeiters, as such operations not only undermine consumer trust but also cause financial losses to the federation and dairy farmers.

The vigilance wing of KMF has intensified inspections following this bust, to ensure such networks are curbed before fake products reach retail shelves.

Further investigation underway

A case has been registered with the CCB special investigation division. Police said they are continuing the probe to identify the full extent of the racket, including suppliers, distributors, financiers and others involved in the chain.

Authorities are also assessing whether similar counterfeit products were sold in other districts. More arrests are expected as the investigation widens.