Milk Manufactured Using Detergent and Urea
According to investigators, the factory operated under the name Shree Satya Dairy Products. Instead of producing genuine milk, the accused allegedly mixed water with a small quantity of real milk, milk powder, refined palmolein oil, refined soybean oil, detergent powder, caustic soda, and urea fertiliser to create synthetic milk.
Police officials revealed that using around 300 litres of genuine milk, the factory produced between 1,700 and 1,800 litres of adulterated milk every day. The product was packed in plastic pouches and distributed to nearby rural areas, where it was sold as fresh milk.
Hazardous Materials Seized
During the raid, authorities seized adulteration materials and finished products valued at approximately Rs 71 lakh. The seized items included 450 kg of whey powder, 625 kg of skimmed milk powder, 300 kg of premium SMP powder, large quantities of urea fertiliser, caustic soda, detergent powder, soybean oil, and palmolein oil.
Officials also recovered 1,962 litres of adulterated milk and 1,180 litres of adulterated buttermilk that were ready for distribution. According to the police, these chemicals were used to artificially enhance the thickness, foam, protein appearance, and colour of milk to deceive consumers.
Joint Operation by Police and Food Safety Teams
The operation was conducted by a joint team comprising the Local Crime Branch, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and the Food and Drugs Department. Samples of the seized milk and chemicals have been sent for forensic analysis to determine their exact composition and potential health impact.
Following the raid, the factory premises were sealed immediately to prevent further illegal activity. Officials said the case highlights the scale at which food adulteration networks can operate undetected, particularly in rural supply chains.
Five Arrested, Factory Owner Absconding
Police arrested four accused on the spot, including plant operator Jitendra Patel and employees Sachin Makwana, Karan Parmar, and Ajaysinh Parmar. A juvenile worker involved in the operation was also detained and produced before the appropriate authority.
The main accused, factory owner Rakesh alias Dhamo Patel, a resident of Salal village currently living in Himmatnagar, is absconding. Police teams have launched a search operation to trace and arrest him at the earliest.
Case Registered Under Food Safety Laws
A case has been registered at the Prantij police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Officials said stringent action will be taken against all those involved in the adulteration racket.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant while purchasing milk and dairy products and to report any suspicious activity to local officials.
