Fake spice factory busted in Delhi’s Khari Baoli, over 800 kg adulterated masala with toxic colours seized
Fake spice factory busted: In a major crackdown on food adulteration, the New Delhi police have uncovered an illegal spice manufacturing unit in the Khari Baoli area of Old Delhi and arrested one person linked to the operation. Officials said nearly 802 kg of fake and adulterated spices along with raw materials were seized during the raid.
The accused, identified as Kamaljeet, a resident of Mukundpur, was arrested after the police conducted a raid at a building in the Naya Bans locality on May 23 following a tip-off about the illegal activity.
According to police, the unit was allegedly producing fake turmeric powder, red chilli powder, yellow chilli powder, coriander powder, amchoor powder and garam masala using poor-quality ingredients and toxic adulterants.
During the inspection, the police team recovered artificial food colours suspected to be non-edible, rice particles, chilli stalks, coriander stems and other substances allegedly mixed with spices to increase quantity and profits.
Officials also seized grinding machines and equipment used for preparing and packaging the adulterated products. The police said the fake spices were reportedly being supplied to different areas across Delhi-NCR.
The total quantity of seized adulterated spices and raw material was around 801.88 kg, officials added.
The police further stated that the entire search and seizure process was documented through the E-Sakshya application as part of legal procedure.
Teams from the Delhi government’s food safety department also visited the spot and collected samples for laboratory testing. Further legal action will be taken based on the report.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is underway.
- With inputs from agencies
