Police bust suspected duplicate edible oil racket, seize 1,776 litres

PNS

Daltonganj

Town Police have busted an alleged duplicate edible oil trading network and seized 1,776 litres of a popular edible oil brand from a warehouse near Bairya Chowk.

The seizure was carried out late on Wednesday following a written complaint lodged by the legal agency representing the edible oil company. Confirming the development, SDPO Sadar Rajesh Yadav said police recovered 138 boxes containing half-litre and one-litre pouches of the edible oil. However, he declined to disclose the brand name at this stage of the investigation.

A case has been registered against the wholesale dealer under relevant provisions of trade laws, the Copyright Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Police said samples of the seized oil would be sent to the State Food and Drug Testing Laboratory in Ranchi for examination to determine its authenticity and quality.

Describing the operation as a significant breakthrough, officials said investigations are also underway to identify retail outlets where the suspected duplicate product may have been supplied.

“It is an unethical business. We are investigating the retail distribution network as well,” the SDPO said.

Food safety personnel noted that adulterated edible oil can pose serious health risks to consumers. They pointed to the commonly known “freeze test” as a preliminary indicator of possible contamination, explaining that certain edible oils may show abnormal solidification when refrigerated. However, officials emphasized that laboratory testing remains the only reliable method to establish adulteration.

Sources said the probe was initiated after the company noticed a sharp decline in the market performance of its brand and conducted an internal inquiry. The findings reportedly indicated possible trade malpractice, prompting the company to seek police intervention.

Investigators are proceeding cautiously, as cases involving alleged counterfeit or duplicate food products require scientific verification and compliance with multiple legal and regulatory procedures.

Officials said the circulation of duplicate edible oil not only affects legitimate businesses and brand sales but could also pose a potential public health hazard if found to be adulterated or substandard. The investigation is continuing.