MUMBAI: In a significant crackdown on food adulteration, Unit 12 of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has busted a major milk adulteration racket operating out of Dahisar East. Law enforcement officials have arrested one individual suspected of adulterating milk from prominent brands and selling it to unsuspecting citizens.

The operation was executed following a confidential tip-off received by Unit 12. The information indicated that an individual was illegally mixing impure water into milk from reputed brands at a location near Rajesh Compound in Dahisar East, posing a severe health hazard to local citizens and young children.

Mumbai Police Bust Major Milk Adulteration Racket in Dahisar; One Arrested
Mumbai Police Bust Major Milk Adulteration Racket in Dahisar; One Arrested

The Raid and Modus Operandi

Acting on a specific information received by reliable sources a police team from unit 12 coordinated with Food Safety Officers from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Mumbai. On July 9, 2026, the joint team conducted a surprise raid at Room No. B-3, Chawl No. 02, Rajesh Compound, Dahisar East.

During the raid, the accused was caught red-handed. The investigation revealed a highly deceptive modus operandi: the suspect neatly sliced open original plastic pouches of branded milk (such as Amul and Gokul) using a blade, extracted a portion of the pure milk, and substituted it with unhygienic tap water. The pouches were then meticulously resealed using a stove, candles, and pins to make them appear completely tamper-free and authentic before being sold to the public.

Authorities seized a substantial amount of adulterated stock and equipment from the site, valued at approximately ₹39,710. The seized items include:

  • 470 liters of adulterated milk from prominent brands like Amul and Gokul (valued at ₹29,710).

  • 327 counterfeit/empty pouches of Amul Taaza, Amul Gold, and Amul Cow Milk.

  • Specialized tools and equipment used for draining, adulterating, and resealing the milk bags.

  • A mobile phone valued at ₹10,000.

Because the adulterated milk was highly perishable and hazardous to health, it was destroyed on the spot by authorities.

An FIR has been registered at the Dahisar Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)—including Sections 274, 275, 277(3), 277(1), 318(4), and 336(3)—as well as Sections 26, 27, 31, 59, and 63 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (Rules and Regulations 2011).

Commendation for the Team

The successful operation was conducted under the high-level guidance of senior police officials, including Police Commissioner Mr. Deven Bharti, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Mr. Anil Kumbhare, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Mr. Krishnakant Upadhyay, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection-1) Mr. Navnath Dhavale.

The ground team was led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (North-Crime) Mr. Ravindra Adane and Senior Police Inspector Sandeep Yeole-Patil, alongside Food Safety Officer Mr. Tushar Pandurang Shelke and a dedicated squad of police personnel.

Further investigation into the distribution network of this racket is currently underway by Unit 12