Police seize Rs 1.26 crore in assets as a major interstate operation selling adulterated Nandini-branded ghee is uncovered
Bengaluru Police have uncovered a major interstate operation involved in manufacturing and distributing fake Nandini-branded ghee, seizing adulterated stock packed in counterfeit packaging. Nandini, owned by the Karnataka Co-operative Milk Producers’ Federation (KMF), is among South India’s most trusted dairy labels and faces strong consumer demand.
Police confiscated assets valued at Rs 1.26 crore. The haul included 8,136 litres of adulterated ghee, machinery, coconut and palm oil, four Bolero goods carriers, five mobile phones, and Rs 1.19 lakh in cash.
The racket was busted in a coordinated raid by the Central Crime Branch’s Special Investigation Squad and KMF’s Vigilance Wing, leading to the arrest of four suspects on Friday, November 14.
Media reports identified the arrested individuals as Mahendra, a KMF distributor, his son Deepak, along with Muniraju and Abhiarasu.
Acting on a tip-off, officials searched warehouses, storefronts, and vehicles linked to Krishna Enterprises in Nanjamba Agrahara, Chamarajpet, which investigators believe served as the main supply point.
Police confiscated assets valued at Rs 1.26 crore. The haul included 8,136 litres of adulterated ghee, machinery, coconut and palm oil, four Bolero goods carriers, five mobile phones, and ₹1.19 lakh in cash.
According to an officer from the CCB Special Investigation Squad quoted by Deccan Herald, the fake ghee was produced in Tamil Nadu using coconut and palm oil. It was then packaged in imitation Nandini sachets and bottles before being transported to Bengaluru and distributed to wholesalers, retailers, and even some Nandini parlours at regular market prices.
A statement from the office of Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said that the accused had capitalised on the strong demand for Nandini ghee in Karnataka by preparing adulterated ghee in Tamil Nadu, packing it into counterfeit Nandini sachets and bottles, and supplying it to Bengaluru-based associates who held official KMF licences.
A case has been registered under the CCB Special Investigation Division. Investigators are now mapping the broader supply chain and awaiting Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) results to determine whether animal fat was also used in the adulteration.
