After Bawana Raid, Delhi Police Intensify Crackdown on Fake Ghee and Food Adulteration Units Across City

After the major raid in Delhi’s Bawana Industrial Area that led to the seizure of 7,600 litres of fake “Avtar Desi Ghee”, the Delhi Police and the Food Safety Department have launched a citywide crackdown on food adulteration and illegal edible oil manufacturing units. Officials said the move follows rising concerns over counterfeit ghee brands and adulterated dairy products flooding the market ahead of Diwali and other winter festivals, when demand for ghee and sweets is at its peak.

Police teams have started surprise inspections across Narela, Mundka, and Bawana Extension — areas known for small-scale food and oil packaging units. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer-North) Hareshwar Swami said that instructions have been issued to coordinate with the Food Safety Department and intensify checks at industrial units suspected of producing fake ghee and edible oils. He added that the action aims to ensure public safety and prevent the distribution of adulterated products during the festive season.

The investigation into the Avtar Desi Ghee case has also widened. Police sources confirmed that the counterfeit ghee was being supplied to local markets and sweet shops in North Delhi at prices nearly 50 percent lower than branded products. The arrested supervisor, Brijesh, reportedly told investigators that the fake ghee was prepared using vanaspati and refined oils mixed with coloring and artificial essence to imitate the appearance and aroma of pure ghee. The factory owner, Madhav Gupta, 26, a resident of Defence Colony, remains absconding. Police have launched a search to locate him and are examining his financial and transport links to uncover the distribution network.

Officials from the Food Safety Department have warned that consuming adulterated ghee can lead to serious health problems, including heart, liver, and digestive disorders. They have urged citizens to purchase only branded or FSSAI-certified products and to verify labels and manufacturing details before buying. “Adulterated ghee is hazardous and unfit for consumption. People should remain alert, especially during festive times,” said a senior official.

The Delhi government is reportedly considering stricter action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to curb the production and sale of adulterated food items. Food Safety Commissioner R. K. Sharma said that habitual offenders and repeat violators would face severe penalties, including cancellation of industrial licenses. Citizens have been encouraged to report suspected food adulteration cases through the Delhi Food Safety Helpline at 1800-11-2100.

Authorities said that alongside enforcement, a public awareness campaign will soon be launched across Delhi markets to educate consumers on how to identify fake ghee, spurious oils, and adulterated sweets. The recent Bawana raid, they added, has exposed the deep-rooted problem of food adulteration in the capital, and more inspections are planned across the city in the coming weeks.