In a major Delhi Police Crime Branch raid, officers said they uncovered an alleged network producing and distributing fake FMCG products in Delhi, including counterfeit ghee and Tata Salt, across multiple Delhi-NCR markets. Police further stated that several locations were searched and large quantities of spurious packaged goods were seized, raising fresh concerns about consumer safety and brand fraud.

All allegations in this report are based on police statements and initial findings shared with the media. The matter is under investigation, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

TL;DR: Delhi Police Crime Branch says it busted an alleged counterfeit FMCG racket involving fake ghee and Tata Salt; the investigation is ongoing and guilt is yet to be established in court.

How the Counterfeit Products Racket Was Exposed

According to police, the operation began after the Crime Branch received specific information (often described as a “tip-off”) about suspected fake branded goods being manufactured and moved through local supply routes. Teams then conducted surveillance and verification before launching coordinated action.

Officers reported that raids were carried out on December 29 at multiple locations, including Uttam Nagar, Nilothi Extension, and the Kanjhawala industrial area—areas that investigators say can be used as transit or repacking hubs due to mixed commercial activity.

Expert commentary (brand protection): A Delhi-based brand-protection specialist (who works with FMCG supply-chain audits) notes that “counterfeiters often avoid a single large warehouse and instead distribute stock across small units and vehicles to reduce the chance of a total seizure.” This pattern aligns with how many counterfeit cases are structured: fragmented inventory, quick dispatch, and repackaging close to demand centers.

TL;DR: Police say the case started with actionable information, followed by surveillance and coordinated raids across multiple Delhi-NCR locations—typical of how counterfeit supply chains are mapped.

Massive Seizure of Fake Branded Household and Food Products

During the raids, police said they recovered a range of goods allegedly made to resemble popular consumer brands (the brands named are victims of counterfeiting and are not accused of wrongdoing). Items were allegedly passed off under names such as:

Amul
Patanjali
Madhusudan (ghee)
Eno (antacid sachets)
All Out (mosquito repellent liquid vaporizer)
Veet (hair removal products)
Tata Salt

Police further stated that vehicles intercepted in Uttam Nagar yielded a particularly large haul. The reported recovery included:

More than 1,100 litres of ghee
8,640 Eno sachets
1,200 bottles of All Out
1,152 packs of Veet
3,000 kg of Tata Salt

Subsequent searches allegedly led to a further recovery of about 2,000 kg of suspected fake Tata Salt—taking the total to around 5,000 kg. Police also reported finding equipment used for filling, sealing, and repacking.

As commonly done in such cases, police said company representatives were called to examine the goods, and the items were identified as not being authorised or genuine products.

TL;DR: Police claim a wide range of spurious FMCG items were seized, including over 1,100 litres of ghee and around 5,000 kg of Tata Salt in total, along with repacking equipment.

Key Accused and Their Alleged Roles

The Crime Branch arrested four individuals whom police describe as central to the alleged supply chain:

Nitin Kumar (38)
Rajat Singhal alias Chintu (38)
Surender Gujjar (45)
Mujahid alias Kartik (38)

Investigators indicated that roles in such networks may be divided across sourcing, filling/repacking, logistics, and market distribution. Police have not publicly detailed every role, but said the group was involved in manufacturing, packaging, transportation, and distribution.

Expert commentary (legal): A criminal-law practitioner familiar with counterfeit investigations explains that “the prosecution typically tries to establish not only possession, but also knowledge and intent—who arranged printing of labels, who controlled machinery, and who benefited financially.” This is why police often focus on invoices, WhatsApp chats, delivery routes, and payment trails.

TL;DR: Four arrests were made; investigators are expected to focus on proving intent and control over packaging, distribution, and money trails.

Illegal Ghee Manufacturing Unit in Kanjhawala

Police said that during questioning, one accused disclosed an alleged illegal ghee manufacturing setup operating in the Kanjhawala industrial area. Officers claim the unit contained packaging and filling infrastructure typically used to make containers look market-ready.

During the raid, police reported recovering:

Packaging machines for filling tins/containers
Fake labels and stickers bearing names/logos of reputed brands
Wrappers, cartons, and other forged packaging materials
Raw material allegedly used to produce substandard or adulterated ghee

Police also said the accused sourced empty tins and counterfeit labels to make the goods appear genuine and then supplied them at lower prices through local channels.

Bridge to modus operandi: This Kanjhawala unit, as described by investigators, is a practical example of how counterfeit FMCG operations function: procure inexpensive inputs, mimic branded packaging, and move finished stock quickly to price-sensitive markets.

TL;DR: Police claim an illegal unit in Kanjhawala had packaging machinery and forged labels—illustrating how counterfeiters make spurious ghee look authentic before distribution.

Modus Operandi: How Spurious FMCG Goods Were Allegedly Sold

Based on the investigation shared so far, police suggest the alleged operation followed a familiar pattern seen in counterfeit cases:

Low-cost sourcing: Cheaper ingredients/base materials were allegedly procured for consumables such as ghee.
Packaging fraud: Empty containers and lookalike packaging were gathered and paired with forged labels.
Repacking and sealing: Machines were reportedly used to fill and seal products so they resembled genuine branded packs.
Price undercutting: Goods were allegedly supplied below market rates to attract retailers/wholesalers and move volume fast.
Demand exploitation: High-frequency items (salt, ghee, household repellents, personal care) were targeted because they sell quickly and are harder for consumers to authenticate at a glance.

Internal-link-friendly phrase: For businesses, this is where brand protection and anti-counterfeiting measures and stronger distributor checks become essential to keep spurious stock out of the channel.

TL;DR: Police allege a five-step playbook—cheap inputs, counterfeit packaging, machine sealing, discounted distribution, and fast-moving categories to avoid detection.

Public Health Risks of Counterfeit Food and Household Products in India

Authorities and regulators repeatedly caution that counterfeit packaged goods can bypass basic hygiene, testing, and traceability. In India, packaged food is expected to comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related rules under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)—the national regulator for food safety.

FSSAI also prescribes what should appear on labels (e.g., name, ingredients, net quantity, batch/lot, manufacturer details, and license number) under its labelling framework. Readers can refer to FSSAI’s official portal for regulations and advisories: https://www.fssai.gov.in/.

Key safety concerns differ by product category:

Ghee adulteration risk: Spurious ghee may contain cheaper oils/fats, rancid material, or contaminants. Changes in smell, texture, or melting behaviour can be warning signs, but lab testing is the only reliable confirmation.
Antacids and personal care products: Counterfeit products may have incorrect or unknown ingredients, raising the risk of irritation, allergies, or lack of intended effect.
Household insecticides/repellents: Lookalike repellents can be ineffective (increasing mosquito-borne disease exposure) or may contain unsafe formulations if made outside regulated controls.
Iodised salt concerns: Iodine is critical for preventing iodine deficiency disorders; counterfeit salt may not meet expected iodisation levels or purity.

Expert commentary (food safety): A former state food safety officer explains that “counterfeit food products often fail on traceability—no verifiable batch record, no accountable manufacturer, and no documented quality checks—making recalls or consumer redress extremely difficult.” This is also why food safety compliance in India focuses on documentation, hygiene, and traceability, not only the final product.

TL;DR: Fake food and household goods can bypass FSSAI-style safety and traceability norms, increasing health risks—especially for ghee, iodised salt, and chemical household products.

Economic Impact on Genuine Brands, Retailers, and Consumers

Counterfeiting doesn’t only harm consumers—it distorts the market for legitimate manufacturers and honest trade. Companies invest in compliance, quality systems, and distribution controls, while counterfeit operators can cut costs by skipping testing, tax compliance, and safety standards.

The knock-on effects typically include:

Revenue leakage as consumers unknowingly buy spurious products
Brand damage when poor quality is wrongly associated with the real manufacturer
Higher compliance and enforcement costs for industry and regulators
Tax losses due to unreported manufacturing and sales

Industry bodies have repeatedly highlighted the scale of counterfeiting and smuggling in India. For context, you can explore public awareness and research initiatives by FICCI CASCADE (an anti-counterfeiting and smuggling forum) and policy/industry discussions from ASSOCHAM. These sources help frame why such rackets are treated as systemic rather than isolated.

TL;DR: Counterfeiting creates losses beyond a single seizure—hurting brands, honest retailers, and government revenue, as documented in anti-counterfeiting industry initiatives.

Legal Penalties for Counterfeit Food Products Under BNS and Other Indian Laws

The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s new criminal code that replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC). In simple terms, the BNS consolidates offences such as cheating, forgery-related conduct, and acts that endanger public health, with updated section numbering and language.

While police have not always publicly listed every section number in media briefings, cases involving counterfeit branded goods and adulterated consumables commonly draw on legal themes such as:

Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property (often invoked where consumers/retailers are deceived)
Public health and safety endangerment (particularly if food is unsafe)
Forgery / use of false marks (where labels, packaging, or identifiers are fabricated)

In addition to criminal law, such conduct can trigger specialised statutes and regulations, including:

Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSAI framework for unsafe/adulterated food)
FSSAI labelling rules (commonly searched as FSSAI packaging guidelines)
Legal Metrology Act, 2009 and packaged commodities rules (MRP, net quantity, declarations)
Trade Marks Act, 1999 (infringement / falsification of marks in counterfeit branding cases)
Copyright Act, 1957 (where copyrighted artistic works on packaging are reproduced without permission)

For readers who want to check the base texts, see the official Legislative Department (Government of India) portal for central Acts, and the National Portal of India for government resources and links.

TL;DR: Allegations involve BNS (new criminal code) plus food safety, legal metrology, and IP laws such as the Trade Marks and Copyright Acts—commonly used to prosecute counterfeit food and FMCG cases.

Real-World Context: Similar Counterfeit Crackdowns in India

This case fits a broader pattern seen across India, where enforcement agencies periodically seize spurious packaged foods, edible oils, and household products from small units and godowns (warehouses). Two common, well-documented trends are:

Edible oil/ghee adulteration drives: State food safety departments in multiple states routinely conduct festive-season checks for adulterated ghee/edible oils, because demand spikes create opportunities for fraud.
Lookalike packaging in high-velocity FMCG categories: Counterfeiters frequently target staples (salt, spices), “daily-use” personal care, and repellents since quick turnover reduces the chance of detection.

For official consumer-facing guidance and safety campaigns that often intensify during such enforcement, refer to FSSAI’s resources and alerts on its official website: https://www.fssai.gov.in/.

TL;DR: Similar crackdowns have been seen nationwide, especially in ghee/edible oils and fast-moving household categories where lookalike packaging is used to exploit demand.

Ongoing Investigation and What Happens Next

The Crime Branch says it is continuing the investigation to identify the wider ecosystem behind the alleged counterfeit operation. This typically involves:

Locating other manufacturing/repacking units that may be linked
Tracing suppliers of raw materials, containers, printing, and machinery
Mapping distributor/wholesale routes and identifying repeat buyer clusters
Examining financial transactions to establish proceeds and beneficiaries

Investigators also often coordinate with brand representatives and relevant regulators to verify counterfeit indicators and strengthen evidentiary documentation (e.g., seizure memos, sampling, chain of custody).

Over time, such cases can lead to stronger inter-agency collaboration, tighter market checks, and more robust joint efforts with brands—especially where repeat patterns reveal enforcement gaps.

TL;DR: Police are tracing suppliers, routes, and money trails; outcomes can include additional arrests, stronger brand-regulator coordination, and tighter enforcement practices.

How Consumers Can Spot and Avoid Fake Food and Household Products

Counterfeit packaging can look convincing, but a few practical checks can reduce risk—especially when buying staples like ghee and salt or high-demand household items.

Buy from reliable channels: Prefer known retailers, authorised outlets, or established e-commerce sellers with clear invoices.
Check tamper evidence: Look for intact seals, shrink wraps, caps, and leak-proof closures. Avoid products with loose caps, re-glued flaps, or uneven heat-sealing.
Verify label declarations: On food items, confirm FSSAI licence number (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India licensing identifier), batch/lot number, net quantity, and manufacturer/packer address. Missing or oddly printed details are red flags.
Watch for sensory red flags in ghee: Unusual odour, excessive greasiness, grainy texture, or inconsistent melting can indicate poor quality or adulteration—stop use and report if suspicious.
Compare MRP and “too-cheap” deals: A steep discount far below typical market range is a common bait. If a premium product is consistently cheaper than everywhere else, treat it cautiously.
Scan codes where available: Use QR codes, barcodes, or brand verification tools when provided, and confirm the scan result matches the product variant and pack size.
Keep proof of purchase: Save the bill, packaging, and batch details—these help enforcement and brands trace the source.

If you suspect a counterfeit food product, you can use official channels such as FSSAI’s consumer complaint mechanisms and app-based reporting (commonly known as the Food Safety Connect app in many awareness materials), or contact your state food safety department. You can also approach local police for suspected fraud. For verified information on FSSAI initiatives and consumer resources, visit FSSAI.

Internal-link-friendly phrase: These checks complement broader FSSAI packaging guidelines and help reduce accidental purchase of spurious goods.

TL;DR: Use channel checks (trusted seller), packaging checks (tamper seals/label info), product checks (odour/texture), and price sanity checks; report via FSSAI/state portals or police if suspicious.

Guidance for Distributors and Retailers: Due Diligence to Reduce Counterfeit Risk

For trade and industrial readers, preventing counterfeit entry is largely a process discipline issue. Retailers and distributors can lower exposure by implementing repeatable due diligence steps:

Supplier vetting: Onboard only documented suppliers, verify GST details, and insist on consistent invoice trails.
Documentation checks: Match batch/lot numbers and manufacturing details across cartons, inner packs, and invoices; inconsistencies often indicate repacking.
Periodic testing: For higher-risk food categories (ghee, edible oils, spices), schedule periodic third-party lab testing and retain reports.
Controlled returns: Avoid mixing returned stock back into saleable inventory without checks—return streams are a common counterfeit entry point.

Internal-link-friendly phrase: Over time, structured brand protection and anti-counterfeiting measures can become part of routine procurement and food safety compliance in India.

TL;DR: Retailers/distributors should vet suppliers, verify documents and batch data, test high-risk categories, and control returns to keep counterfeit goods out of inventory.

Conclusion

The alleged seizure highlights how counterfeit ghee, salt, and household products can enter everyday supply chains—often through repacking units and discounted distribution channels. If proven, such activity can endanger public health, erode consumer trust, and impose significant losses on legitimate businesses and tax systems.

As authorities pursue the investigation, the next phase will likely focus on tracing upstream suppliers and downstream sales routes, tightening coordination with regulators and brand owners, and strengthening market surveillance to deter repeat operations.

TL;DR: The case spotlights the safety and economic risks of counterfeit FMCG goods; the next steps typically involve tracing the network, improving enforcement coordination, and tightening supply-chain controls.

FAQ

Q: What was seized in the Delhi Police Crime Branch raid involving counterfeit ghee and Tata Salt?

A: Police reported seizing over 1,100 litres of ghee, thousands of sachets/packs of household and personal care items, and Tata Salt consignments totaling around 5,000 kg (3,000 kg initially plus about 2,000 kg later). They also claimed to recover repacking/sealing equipment and forged packaging materials.

Q: How do I check if a packaged food item is compliant with FSSAI packaging guidelines?

A: Look for key declarations such as the FSSAI licence number, batch/lot number, net quantity, manufacturing/packing details, and complete name and address of the manufacturer/packer. Missing, mismatched, or poorly printed information can be a warning sign. For official references, use the FSSAI website (fssai.gov.in) and state food safety resources.

Q: What are common warning signs of counterfeit ghee in local markets?

A: Red flags include broken or re-sealed lids, unusual smell, inconsistent texture, suspiciously low pricing compared to the typical market range, and missing batch/FSSAI details. If you suspect adulteration, stop using the product and report it through official consumer complaint channels.

Q: What laws can apply to selling fake FMCG products in Delhi, including counterfeit food?

A: Depending on the facts, cases may involve the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS—India’s new criminal code), the Food Safety and Standards Act, Legal Metrology rules for packaged commodities, and intellectual property laws such as the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and Copyright Act, 1957.

Q: What should distributors or retailers do to prevent counterfeit FMCG stock from entering their supply chain?

A: Implement supplier vetting, require clean invoice trails, verify batch/lot and label consistency across cartons and packs, run periodic lab tests for higher-risk food categories, and control returned stock carefully. These steps support stronger brand protection and anti-counterfeiting measures and improve overall compliance discipline.

Major Counterfeit Bust: Crime Branch Nabs Four Suspects

Introduction