An investigation by Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has uncovered an alleged milk adulteration network extending from Manchar in Pune district to Malshiras in Solapur and Indapur, with adulterated milk reportedly supplied to multiple dairy businesses, including Sonai Dairy. The investigation has identified 37 accused, of whom 25 have been arrested and chargesheets filed, according to the FDA account reported by Sakal.
The case began after the FDA and Pune Rural Police conducted a joint operation on 4 July at Navkar Distributors in Avasari Khurd, in Pune district’s Ambegaon taluka. Acting on confidential information, the team seized whey powder, whey permeate powder, detergent, emulsifiers and other materials allegedly used in the preparation of adulterated milk. Samples of powders sold under different company names and other substances were collected, and the stock was seized.
According to the investigation, the material was used to create a white liquid resembling milk. Skimmed milk powder was allegedly used to raise the solids-not-fat content, whey powder to increase protein-related components, edible oil to raise fat content, and emulsifiers and detergent to combine different ingredients. The FDA said detergent was detected in six samples from Akash Dairy Farm in Manchar. Detergent was also found in milk from Atharva Milk and Milk Products Industries.
The investigation has traced an alleged supply chain involving several locations and businesses. The FDA identified Sushant Baburao Hinge of Manchar as the alleged main accused. Investigators said Hinge supplied the adulterated milk to Sonu alias Chaitanya Arun Ghorpade of Piliv in Malshiras, Solapur. The milk was then allegedly moved by tanker to Mahalakshmi Milk and Products and Yoginatha Milk Suppliers in Piliv, and subsequently to Sonai Dairy, identified in the report as Indapur Dairy and Milk Products, in Gokhali, Indapur.
A separate alleged supply route to Sonai Dairy was traced to Avaja Milk Collection Centre in Holewadi, Khed taluka. The FDA said Anand Maruti Pawar, who was associated with the centre, supplied adulterated milk and was in contact with Hinge. The investigation has therefore extended beyond the point where adulterated milk was allegedly found to the suppliers of the substances, transporters, collection centres, chilling centres and dairy operators involved in the chain.
The 37 people identified in the Manchar police station case include alleged suppliers of adulterating substances, industrial chemicals and transport services, as well as people connected with milk collection, chilling centres and dairy businesses. Of those identified, 25 have been arrested and chargesheets have been filed, while 12 have received anticipatory bail, the report said.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the investigation was examining not only where adulterated milk was found but also who supplied and purchased the materials, where they were used and where the resulting milk was sent. He said investigators had obtained information about substantial financial transactions and digital evidence, and that a separate financial investigation was under way.
The case places scrutiny on the multiple points through which milk moves before reaching consumers, including collection centres, chilling facilities, transporters and dairies. The FDA’s investigation is continuing across the locations identified in the alleged supply chain, with its financial inquiry proceeding separately.
