Fake ginger-garlic paste racket busted in Jalpally; four arrested, Rs 10 lakh stock seized

Hyderabad: Four persons were arrested after the Commissioner’s Task Force (Shamshabad Zone) and Pahadishareef Police raided an illegal ginger-garlic paste manufacturing unit in Jalpally and seized adulterated food products and machinery worth Rs 10 lakh.

No labour license and unhygienic conditions

Acting on a tip-off, police raided two units operating under the names SK Royal Enterprises and Shahi Gold Companies at Wadia Mustafa Nagar, Jalpally.

The accused were found manufacturing ginger-garlic paste using low-quality raw materials, synthetic food colours and without adhering to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines.

The unit was reportedly functioning without a valid labour licence and under unhygienic conditions.

Accused identified

The arrested persons were identified as Abdul Sattar (45), Mohd Israil (21), Mohd Iftekhar (18) and Noor Nabi (19). All are residents of Jalpally.

Police said Abdul Sattar, along with the others, was allegedly supplying the adulterated paste to local shops, thereby endangering public health for monetary gain.

A case has been registered under Crime No. 90/2026 at Pahadishareef Police Station under Sections 318(4), 275, 223, read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway.

Seized material

During the raid, officials seized large quantities of ginger-garlic paste, synthetic food colours, citric acid powder, turmeric powder, salt bags, garlic bags, labels of both brands and machinery, including grinding and mixing machines, weighing equipment and packing materials.

Police said approximately 340 kg of loose paste, multiple cartons of packed products, 12 large storage tubs (50 kg capacity each), 20 bags of garlic (25 kg each) and five salt bags (50 kg each) were among the items confiscated.

The total estimated value of seized goods and equipment is Rs 10 lakh.

Public advisory

Police urged citizens to report any information related to food adulteration by dialling 100 or contacting Hyderabad City Police. Informants’ identities will be kept confidential.