Masala scam: Udhna cops bust fake factory in Surat, 5 held
The police seized counterfeit goods and machinery worth Rs 25 lakh from the spot.
Police inspector S N Desai said the raid was carried out following a tip-off. "After verifying the input, we raided the unit and found five persons manufacturing large quantities of fake Maggi masala and Everest Chicken masala. These popular brands were targeted due to their high demand among consumers," he told TOI.
The arrested accused have been identified as Vinod Rajendradas, Vinod Punadas, Kailu Murmu, Surendra Kaludas, and Sunil Soni.
One key accused, Anil Goyal, is still absconding.
During the operation, police recovered fake masalas worth Rs 17.28 lakh, three packing machines worth Rs 3 lakh, a compressor machine valued at Rs 50,000, and 15 bags of loose masala worth Rs 3 lakh. Plastic rolls used for packaging and a large number of cartons were also seized.
"The accused had a network in the local market where they supplied the fake masala at prices 10–20% lower than the original brands.
The gang has been operating for the last six months and sold products worth several lakhs," Desai said.
The Food and Drug Control Administration has been informed, and samples of the seized masala will be tested in laboratories to check for harmful substances. All accused have been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Copyright Act, and the Trade Marks Act.
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