Fake ‘Desi Ghee’ Factory Busted in Jodhpur, Adulteration Threatens Marwar’s Food Legacy

Marwar, known across Rajasthan and the country for its rich culinary traditions and ghee-based sweets, has been rocked by the exposure of a large-scale fake ghee manufacturing racket. Rajasthan Police have busted an illegal factory producing and supplying entirely fake and potentially harmful ‘desi ghee’ in Jodhpur, raising serious concerns about public health and food safety.

In a major crackdown on food adulteration, police conducted a raid on Friday morning in the Kudi Bhagtasni area of Jodhpur, uncovering a fake ghee manufacturing and packaging operation running out of two warehouses. During the operation, a huge quantity of counterfeit ghee packed in tins bearing labels of well-known dairy brands was seized.

Fake Ghee Worth ₹25 Lakh Seized

Police recovered around 120 tins of fake ghee, falsely branded under popular names such as Saras, Sear, Dairy Best, Pride, Madhusudan, Krishna, and Milk Food. Along with the fake products, authorities also seized labels, packaging material, and machinery used in the manufacturing process. The estimated market value of the seized goods is around ₹25 lakh.

The fake ghee was being packed in branded containers to mislead consumers and supplied to markets, posing a direct threat to public health, especially in a region where ghee is an integral part of daily food consumption.

Opium Latex Also Recovered

The operation took a more serious turn when police recovered nearly one kilogram of illegal opium latex from a Brezza car at the site. A Tata Magic vehicle allegedly used for transporting fake ghee was also seized. Police suspect that food adulteration and narcotics trafficking were being carried out simultaneously by the same network.

Three Arrested, Network Under Probe

Three accused—Mohanlal (40) of Maderna Colony, Kailash Chandak (46) of Sector-9, Kudi Bhagtasni, and Raviraj (32) of Bhikamkor—were arrested from the spot. Cases have been registered against them under multiple sections of the law.

The action was carried out under the supervision of Police Commissioner Om Prakash Paswan and ACP Headquarters Sunil K. Panwar. The joint operation was led by CST team in-charge Mehraj Tanwar and Highway Mobile in-charge Tejaram.

Mandi Traders on Police Radar

During preliminary interrogation, the names of several mandi traders allegedly involved in the purchase and sale of fake ghee have surfaced. Police are also probing possible links to notorious criminals involved in opium smuggling. Investigators are now working to trace the entire supply chain and identify end buyers across markets.

The incident has sent shockwaves through Marwar, where desi ghee is not just a food item but a cultural identity. Authorities have assured strict action against those involved and urged consumers to remain cautious while purchasing branded food products, as the investigation continues to widen.