Maharashtra police busted the fake milk business on Monday. Milk was mixed with detergent! Palm oil was added to indicate the fat content. Everyone from children to adults have been eating it for a long time.
The business was running in Bhum taluk of Dharashiv district of the state. This area is famous for milk production. A joint investigation by the Food Safety Department and the police revealed that around 23 million liters of fake or artificial milk were sold in the market from here in the last six months. Investigators fear that the milk was being supplied to different parts of the state.
The investigators examined the sales records seized from the accused and found that around 230,470 kg of substandard milk powder was used in the last six months. An estimated 2.347 million liters of artificial milk was produced from the powder, with a market value of around Rs.92.162 lakh.
For every 100 liters of pure milk, 10 liters of synthetic milk is mixed and released in the market. Based on that ratio, investigators estimated that a total of more than 23 million liters of adulterated milk was supplied to various locations from multiple milk collection centers in the Bhum region.
Detergent powder (nirma), palm oil and low quality chemical powder were used to make this artificial milk and maintain the fat level.
According to food safety experts, long-term consumption of such milk can cause severe damage to the liver, kidneys and digestive system. The risk is higher among children, pregnant women and the elderly.
In this incident, the police have filed a case against seven people under serious provisions of the Food Safety Act. However, no one has been arrested even after eight days of filing the case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an Inspector of Police has been constituted to trace the accused. A search is on for possible hideouts.
The name of a person named Balasaheb Godge has come to light in the whole incident. He supplies fake milk powder to several dairy companies in Bhum area. Investigating officials said that this ring is behind the sale of fodder. However, it is still not clear who bought the thousands of liters of powdered fake milk and where it has reached. No complaints have been received from the buyers, which really worries the officials.
The administration considers the investigation important to identify such cycles in Bhum Talu, which is known for producing lakhs of liters of milk and huge quantities of mawa per day. The Food Safety Act carries a fine of up to Tk 10 lakh and life imprisonment if convicted.