A significant operation unfolded in Pune city as authorities seized and destroyed a staggering 4,970 kg of adulterated paneer that had been brought in from Karnataka for sale. The operation was carried out jointly by the Anti-Dacoity and Anti-Vehicle Theft Squad of the Crime Branch at Katraj Chowk, in collaboration with the Department of Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The vigilant Anti-Robbery and Anti-Theft Squad sprung into action after receiving credible intelligence about a significant quantity of adulterated paneer being smuggled from Karnataka into Pune. Acting swiftly upon information that a tempo carrying the suspicious consignment had halted at Katraj Chowk on July 5th, the Crime Branch apprehended the driver of the vehicle without delay.
In a successful operation, the team seized a substantial haul of 4,970 kg of paneer, which was estimated to be worth around Rs 10 lakh. The collaboration with FDA Officer Kranti Barwakar and her team played a pivotal role in ensuring the operation’s success.
In compliance with food safety regulations, the impounded adulterated paneer was dispatched to the National Agriculture and Food Analysis and Research Institute (NAFARI) laboratory situated in Baner for comprehensive testing.
The subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed the suspicions of adulteration, affirming that the seized paneer was indeed adulterated. The official lab report validating the adulteration was recently released. To safeguard public health and well-being, the adulterated paneer was swiftly and appropriately disposed of following established protocols.
The operation was executed under the guidance and leadership of Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ramnath Pokle, DCP (Crime) Amol Zende, and ACP Sunil Tambe. The dedicated team included Senior Police Inspector Ashok Indalkar, Assistant Inspector Narendra Patil, Sub-Inspector Shahid Sheikh, as well as officers Sumit Takpere and Mahesh Patil, among others.
