Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Bengaluru Police Uncover Rs 1.27 Crore Fake Nandini Ghee Operation
Some people made fake butter that looked like 'Nandini' butter but wasn't real.
They made this fake butter in another state, Tamil Nadu, by mixing real butter with oils like palm and coconut oil.
Then, they put it in fake 'Nandini' containers and sold it in Bengaluru.
The police found out and caught four people involved in this trick.
They took away lots of fake butter, the oils used to make it, and machines.
The police are still checking to see exactly what was in the fake butter.
Bengaluru police and KMF Vigilance Wing busted a large interstate fake 'Nandini' ghee racket.
Over 8,136 litres of adulterated ghee, worth about Rs 1.27 crore, were seized along with raw materials and machinery.
The fake ghee was produced in Tamil Nadu and supplied to Bengaluru using counterfeit Nandini packaging.
Four individuals, including those holding KMF licenses and distributors, have been arrested.
Authorities are investigating the full extent of the network and the specific adulterants used, including potential animal fat.
- Who
- Bengaluru police (Central Crime Branch Special Investigation Squad) and KMF Vigilance Wing
- What
- Busted a large interstate fake 'Nandini' ghee racket, seizing over 8,136 litres of adulterated ghee and related materials worth approximately Rs 1.27 crore.
- When
- Operation tracked on Friday, November 14; four individuals arrested. Arrests announced on Monday, November 17.
- Where
- Fake ghee produced in Tamil Nadu and supplied to Bengaluru; warehouse, shops, and vehicles linked to Krishna Enterprises in Chamarajpet raided.
- Why
- To exploit the high market demand for the trusted 'Nandini' ghee brand by selling adulterated and counterfeit products at the actual market price.
Consumers
Accused
Product Authenticity and Health Concerns
Consumers
Consumers unknowingly purchased adulterated ghee, potentially being exposed to health risks from unverified ingredients like palm oil, coconut oil, and possibly other fats, while believing they were buying the genuine, trusted Nandini brand.
Accused
The accused exploited the brand's reputation and market demand by mixing cheaper oils with genuine ghee and repackaging it with counterfeit Nandini labels to sell at the full market price.
Deception and Distribution
Consumers
Customers at wholesale shops, retail outlets, and Nandini parlours were deceived by the counterfeit products presented as authentic.
Accused
The network produced fake ghee in Tamil Nadu, used counterfeit packaging, and distributed it through individuals holding official KMF licenses and businesses like Krishna Enterprises in Bengaluru.
- Brand Affected
- Nandini (Karnataka Milk Federation - KMF)
- Nature of Crime
- Ghee adulteration and sale of counterfeit products
- Origin of Fake Ghee
- Produced in Tamil Nadu, distributed in Bengaluru
- Adulteration Ingredients
- Palm oil, coconut oil, and other fats
- Seized Assets
- 8,136 litres of fake ghee, coconut and palm oil, Rs 1.19 lakh cash, four vehicles, manufacturing machinery
- Total Value of Seizure
- Approximately Rs 1.27 crore
- Arrested Individuals
- Four accused, including KMF dealer-cum-distributor Mahendra, Deepak, Muniraj, and Abhiarasu
Sources
Fake Nandini Ghee Racket Busted In Bengaluru, Probe On For Animal Fat Use
Fake Nandini Ghee Racket Busted In Bengaluru: 8,136 Litres Seized, Tamil Nadu Network Exposed
Fake Nandini Ghee In Bengaluru Sparks Concern. 3 Ways To Check Purity Of Ghee
Bengaluru police arrest four accused for selling fake ghee under the name of popular Karnataka government brand Nandini.
