Key Update

Police seized thousands of litres of adulterated cooking oil and large quantities of wheat flour during raids conducted by the Madhapur Special Operations Team (SOT) at two locations in Hyderabad on March 9, 2026. Officials identified the accused as 46-year-old Bhanwar Ram and his 22-year-old son Ashok Kumar, both natives of Rajasthan. According to the police, the father–son duo allegedly ran an adulteration racket from premises in NTR Nagar and Vattinagulapally in the Gachibowli area.

Over ₹21 Lakh Worth of Adulterated Products Seized

Acting on a tip-off, the SOT raided the locations and seized more than 5,000 litres of adulterated cooking oil and over 5,000 kilograms of wheat flour. Officials also recovered a weighing machine, packaging materials, and other equipment used in the operation. Authorities estimate the value of the seized goods at around ₹21 lakh.

Expired Oil and Flour Repackaged for Sale

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused allegedly collected expired cooking oil of different brands and mixed it with soybean oil. They then repackaged the mixture and sold it in the market under various brand names. Police also found that expired wheat flour sourced from multiple companies had been repackaged and relabelled as “Jasnath Gold Chakki Atta” before distribution in the market.

Food Safety Testing Underway

An official from the Gachibowli police said food safety inspectors will collect samples of the seized products and send them for laboratory testing. Based on the results, authorities will formally book the accused and continue the investigation.

Source: The Hindu