Dharashiv Milk Adulteration Scam: Over 2 Crore Litres of Synthetic Milk Made With Detergent Powder Distributed
Police and FDA officials in Maharashtra’s Dharashiv district have uncovered a massive milk adulteration racket. Over six months, suspects allegedly used 230,470 kg of low-quality powder to produce 2.3 crore litres of synthetic, chemical-laden milk. While seven individuals have been booked, all remain at large as a Special Investigation Team continues the search.
A massive investigation into a milk adulteration racket in the Bhum taluka of Dharashiv district, Maharashtra, has revealed a widespread operation involving the use of low-quality milk powder and harmful chemicals including Nirma detergent powder to produce synthetic milk. Authorities, including the police and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have uncovered a significant network that allegedly supplied millions of litres of adulterated milk across the state.
Investigation Findings Reveal Use of Detergent Powerder
According to the investigation, the accused utilised approximately 2,30,470 kilograms of low-quality milk powder over the past six months to create synthetic milk. Authorities estimate that this quantity was used to manufacture roughly 23,04,070 litres of adulterated milk, with a market value of over INR 9.2 crore. Pakistani Goree Beauty Cream Among INR 60 Lakh Worth of Banned Cosmetics Seized in Maharashtra's Nanded (Watch Video).
Investigators found that the synthetic milk was produced by mixing roughly 10 litres of the artificial concoction into every 100 litres of pure milk. Based on this 10 per cent adulteration ratio, officials suspect that more than 2.3 crore litres of the compromised product may have been distributed from milk collection centres in the Bhum area.
Dangerous Additives and Health Risks
To mimic the appearance of genuine milk and maintain fat levels, the racketeers allegedly used dangerous ingredients, including Nirma detergent powder, palm oil, and substandard chemical powders. Medical experts have expressed grave concerns, warning that the continuous consumption of such chemical-laden milk can cause severe, long-term damage to the liver, kidneys, and digestive systems. These health risks are particularly acute for vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Legal Action and Current Status
Following the discovery, the police registered a case against seven individuals under stringent legal provisions. Under the Food Safety Act, those found guilty of life-threatening food adulteration face severe penalties, including fines of up to INR 10 lakh and potential life imprisonment. Shriganesh Kanagude, Police Inspector in Bhoom, noted, “During the raid, officials seized 61 bags of adulterated milk powder. Preliminary investigations reveal that Balasaheb Godge was supplying the adulterated milk powder to several dairy units in the Bhum region for the preparation of adulterated milk." Maharashtra FDA Mandates Free Potable Water in All Hotels and Restaurants.
He further added, "The probe has also indicated the involvement of multiple milk collection centres in the racket. However, those who allegedly purchased thousands of litres of adulterated milk made using the powder are yet to be identified or arrested. The racket was being run under the guise of selling cattle feed." While a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to track down the suspects, all seven individuals remain at large. Authorities are continuing raids at suspected hideouts and are working to identify the specific dairy units and collection centres that purchased the synthetic product, which was reportedly sold under the guise of cattle feed.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 14, 2026 12:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).