Over 2,600 kg of adulterated sweets seized from godown

The Delhi Police seized over 2,600 kg of adulterated milk cake and kalakand during a raid at a godown in Raghubir Nagar, West Delhi.

The sweets, which were being prepared using prohibited chemical, were meant to be sold in the market ahead of Diwali, they said on Friday.

The police arrested godown owner Tara Chand Aggarwal and his 16 employees, they added. Aggarwal was looking after the unit for the past two years after the demise of his son.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Aditya Gautam said the operation was carried out following a tip-off about the production of adulterated sweets at a factory in Raghubir Nagar. Acting on the tip-off, the Southern range crime branch conducted a raid at the factory.

During the raid, the police recovered over 2,600 kg of adulterated sweets and prohibited chemicals. The premises were being illegally used for the large-scale production of sweets made from non-edible and unhygienic substances.

It has been revealed that sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate was being used in the preparation of the sweets. This chemical is not intended to be used in food products and its consumption can lead to serious health issues, the DCP said.

The police said during interrogation, the accused admitted that the adulterated sweets were being prepared to meet the demand during the Diwali season. The sweets were intended to be sold to various shops during the festive season for around Rs 200-Rs 250 per kg.

The DCP said further investigation was on to trace the entire supply chain, distribution network and other associates involved in the racket.