Odisha police bust illegal milk adulteration unit in Cuttack; key accused escapes

In a late-night operation, police intercepted an illegal milk adulteration operation near a hotel in Kuspangi under the Gurudijhatia police station of Cuttack district.

The operation, conducted under the cover of darkness along a city road, involved adulterating milk with chemicals, salt, and powders before it was dispatched to the market. During the raid, authorities seized the milk tank and related equipment, while the individuals involved, including the driver, managed to flee.

Details of the Operation

Preliminary investigations suggest that the milk, loaded in a pickup vehicle, was being transported from Sambalpur to a high-end company in Cuttack. Police officers monitoring the situation had been tracking the operation for several days.

The milk was allegedly being processed using machines to mix water and other substances, rendering it unsafe for consumption.

The Gurudijhatia police were alerted about the illicit activity and conducted a raid behind the hotel, catching the operation in progress. While the perpetrators managed to escape, police have confiscated the milk tank and adulteration materials, which will be analysed further.

Officials highlighted that such operations pose a significant risk to public health, especially during the ongoing monsoon season when food-borne illnesses are more prevalent. The adulterated milk could have caused widespread health hazards if it had reached consumers.

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Ongoing Investigation

Police are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the illegal milk adulteration.

Authorities are also looking into whether this was part of a larger network supplying adulterated dairy products to urban markets. Additional measures are being considered to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of milk supplies in the city.

The police have not yet shared further details, but they assured that the operation will be thoroughly investigated and all culprits will be held accountable.