Fake desi ghee factory unearthed in Moga, 4 arrested

The police have arrested four UP natives for running a fake ‘desi ghee’ factory in Baghapurana town of Moga.

The police and Health Department jointly raided the illegal unit, which was being operated from a residential area, and seized nearly 200 packs (1 kg each) of adulterated ghee, along with branded packaging boxes, raw material and chemical additives.

During investigation, it came to light that the accused learnt the process from videos on the social media. They sold the fake product in rural areas by pretending to be representatives of reputed ghee companies. They carried packets of the counterfeit product, along with bed linens and garments, telling gullible customers that the companies were offering a “special festive sale” - a free bed linen set with every kg of ghee or heavy discount if bought together.

Sources said the rented house from where the factory was being run belonged to a local shopkeeper.

According to Food Safety Officer Lovedeep Singh, the accused were mixing refined and vegetable oils with synthetic essence to copy the aroma, colour and texture of pure desi ghee. “The seized product poses a serious risk to public health due to the use of substandard oils and chemicals,” he said. Samples had been collected and sent for testing, he added.

SP BK Singla said a detailed probe was on to identify all traders and transporters involved in the racket.