Fake Ghee Factory Busted in Agra: Police Arrest 5, Seize Counterfeit Products Worth Crores

Fake Ghee Factory Busted in Agra: In a major crackdown, Agra police and the Special Operations Group (SOG) raided a fake ghee factory operating in Maruti Prabhasam Colony on Maruti City Road, Agra. The police seized counterfeit ghee worth crores of rupees, along with stickers and packaging material for 18 popular brands like Amul, Patanjali, and Madhusudan. Five people, including the factory manager, have been arrested.

How the Fake Ghee Factory Operated

The factory was set up six months ago on a rented plot and was run by Brajesh Agarwal, Pankaj Agarwal, and Neeraj Agarwal under the brand "Pure It Desi Ghee." The masterminds used refined oil, palm oil, and vanaspati to produce counterfeit desi ghee. To mimic the aroma of real ghee, they mixed chemicals and synthetic essences.

The factory used advanced packing machines to replicate branded ghee, making it challenging for customers to distinguish between real and fake products.

Major Seizures During the Raid

Large quantities of counterfeit ghee and raw materials.
Stickers and packaging for 18 popular brands, including Amul and Patanjali.
Packing and processing machines used for manufacturing fake ghee.
Distribution Across Uttar Pradesh and Beyond
Police revealed that the counterfeit ghee was supplied not only within Uttar Pradesh but also to other states. Just before the raid, 50 tins of fake ghee were dispatched to Meerut. Efforts are underway to recover these tins and identify other locations where the fake ghee was distributed.

Police Action and Investigation

An FIR has been filed against the arrested individuals, and the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has been called in to examine the seized products. The investigation is ongoing to trace other people involved in the operation and ensure the confiscation of all counterfeit products.

Public Safety Concerns

The accused admitted to exploiting the public's inability to differentiate real ghee from fake. They produced ghee with a granular texture and aroma to mislead customers. Police have warned consumers to be vigilant and purchase ghee only from verified sources.

Location: Maruti Prabhasam Colony, Agra.
Seizures: Counterfeit ghee worth crores, packaging materials, and machinery.
Brands Affected: Amul, Patanjali, Madhusudan, and others.
Arrests: Five individuals, including the factory manager.
Distribution: Supplied across Uttar Pradesh and other states.