Delhi Spice Scam: 15 Tonnes of adulterated masalas seized, 3 arrested

Delhi Police has uncovered a massive racket involving the production and sale of adulterated spices in northeast Delhi's Karawal Nagar area. Two factories were raided, leading to the seizure of a staggering 15 tonnes of spurious spices. Three individuals, including the owners of these processing units, have been arrested in connection with the case.

"Acting on this information, a team was formed, resulting in raids on May 1. During the operation, Singh was found operating one of the processing units, where he was producing adulterated turmeric using non-edible and banned substances such as spoiled leaves, rice, millets, wood dust, chilli heads, acids, and oils." said the DCP.

Despite their attempts to flee, both Singh and Sarfaraj were apprehended and interrogated. Singh confessed to be the owner of the manufacturing unit, while Malik admitted to supplying these adulterated spices, the officer said.

Further investigations led to the discovery of another processing unit on Kali Khata Road, Karawal Nagar, where Sarfaraj was caught manufacturing adulterated spices, the DCP said.

"The Department of Food & Safety was informed, which conducted inspections, collected samples of the recovered adulterated spices from both factories. Accordingly, a case was registered under relevant sections of the law, and all three accused were arrested," added DCP Paweriya.

The Raid and Arrests
Acting on information regarding the production and sale of adulterated spices, a police team conducted raids on May 1. The suspects, identified as Dilip Singh (46), Sarfaraj (32), and Khurseed Malik (42), were found operating these units and supplying the adulterated spices to local markets and vendors in Delhi/NCR.

During the raid, the police discovered substances like rotten leaves, spoiled millets, wood dust, chilli heads, acids, and oils being used in the production of counterfeit products. Both Singh and Sarfaraj were apprehended, while Malik was caught manufacturing adulterated spices in another processing unit on Kali Khata Road, Karawal Nagar.

During interrogation, Singh admitted to owning one of the manufacturing units, while Malik confessed to supplying the adulterated spices. Further investigation revealed that the suspects had set up their units to make more profit by producing adulterated spices. Malik, who had been involved in the sale and purchase of clothes, ventured into the adulterated spices business in 2019.

Legal Action and Public Safety
The Department of Food & Safety conducted inspections and collected samples of the recovered adulterated spices. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the law, and the accused have been remanded to judicial custody. Police emphasized that by producing adulterated spices, the suspects were not only cheating the public but also endangering their lives.

The investigation into this racket is ongoing, as police work to ensure the safety and integrity of food products in the market.

(With inputs from TOI)