An extensive counterfeit ghee network operating between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has been brought down by Bengaluru Police, who arrested four individuals accused of circulating fake Nandini ghee across the city. The operation, which combined efforts of the Central Crime Branch’s Special Investigation Squad and the KMF Vigilance Wing, uncovered a sophisticated supply chain that had been active for nearly two years.

Adulterated Ghee Manufactured in Tamil Nadu, Routed to Bengaluru

According to investigators, the racket’s production base was located in Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu. There, the group allegedly manufactured adulterated ghee and packed it into imitation Nandini-branded sachets and bottles that closely resembled the originals. These consignments were then transported to Bengaluru, where authorised KMF distributor Mahendra and his associates distributed the products to shops, wholesale traders, and even Nandini Parlours.

Police Intercept Transport Vehicles and Conduct Multi-Location Raids

The breakthrough came during a coordinated set of raids across godowns, retail points, and vehicles linked to Krishna Enterprises in Chamarajpet’s Nanjamba Agrahara. One of the vehicles carrying the adulterated ghee was intercepted while arriving from Tamil Nadu. Four people, Mahendra, his son Deepak, supplier Muniraj (Muniraju), and driver Abhi Arasu were arrested at various stages of the operation.

Authorities Recover Over 8,000 Litres of Fake Ghee

Police reported the seizure of 8,136 litres of adulterated ghee, a large stock of palm and coconut oil used for mixing, machinery used to process and fill the fake products, and fake packaging material resembling Nandini’s. The raid also resulted in the confiscation of four Bolero goods vehicles, five mobile phones, Rs 1.19 lakh in cash, and other equipment.
The total value of seized assets is estimated at around Rs 1.26–1.27 crore.

How the Fraud Went Undetected

Officials say the racket was detected after unusual purchasing trends emerged. Mahendra, who normally procured substantial quantities of Nandini ghee, had inexplicably reduced his orders to nearly half. This inconsistency triggered vigilance reviews, eventually directing investigators toward the wider adulteration network.

The group reportedly inflated the volume of original ghee significantly in some cases turning one litre of genuine Nandini ghee into as much as three to five litres of fake product using palm oil, coconut oil, and potentially other fats. Samples have been forwarded to the FSL to ascertain the exact composition.

Police and KMF Officials Confirm Details

In an official statement, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said, “Four accused have been arrested so far. Authorities have seized 8,136 litres of adulterated ghee, coconut and palm oil, Rs 1.19 lakh in cash, four goods vehicles, machinery used for manufacturing the adulterated ghee, and other related items. The total value of the seized property is approximately Rs 1.27 crore.”

He further added, “We received specific information from the KMF vigilance wing. The unit where the adulterated ghee was being produced was located in Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu. Information about the main accused is being gathered. The accused were active for the last two years.”

Investigation Continues

A case has been registered under the CCB Special Investigation Division. Police expect additional arrests as they continue mapping the network’s full scale and its financial channels.