Recently, Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Gujarat Police conducts raid in the Pandesara area. They seized 1,401 kg of suspected paneer, along with machinery used for making it, from a factory in Surat. The total value of the seized items is estimated at Rs 28.44 lakh.
The officials raided Block No. 278 in Bhidbhanjan Society, Pandesara. During the operation, they arrested the factory manager, Mahesh Kumar Purnshankar Sharma (40) at the scene.
1401 Kgs adulterated paneer seized in Surat
Police found around 1,414 kg of loose paneer, worth approximately Rs 3.08 lakh, at the premises. In addition to the paneer, officers confiscated modern machinery and chemicals that were allegedly used in its production. The seized items includes
- Machinery: A pasteuriser, homogeniser, venturi machine, and a weighing scale, all valued at about Rs 25 lakh.
- Chemicals and oil: A 10-litre can of acetic acid and 16 cans of palmolein oil.
- Packaging material: About 3,000 stickers labelled ‘non-branded loose analogue paneer’ and 1,000 empty plastic bags.
Accused arrested by police
During questioning, police officials learned that the accused had been operating for the past two years. He allegedly produced around 400 kg of fake or suspected paneer each day, supplying it to various dairies across the city at Rs 220 per kg through wholesale and retail channels. The product was reportedly sold as ‘analogue paneer’ instead of pure paneer.
Food Safety officials took samples of the seized paneer and sent them to a lab for testing. Further legal action will follow once the lab report confirms the quality and composition of the product.
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