Introduction
A 34-year-old man has been Arrested for Making and Selling Fake Paneer in Noida. This arrest happened on Monday in Sector 63, and police say this operation is part of a larger effort to fight against food fraud.
The Arrest
The man, named Afsar Khan, was caught after being on the run for several weeks. Police had announced a reward of ₹25,000 for information leading to his arrest. Afsar Khan ran a plant in Sahajpura village, which is in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Here, he produced synthetic paneer using cheap ingredients.
What Is Fake Paneer?
Fake paneer is made using starch, palmolein oil, and other unhealthy chemicals instead of real milk. This poses a serious health risk to people who unknowingly buy and consume it. The fake paneer was sold to shopkeepers at low prices. These shopkeepers then sold it in markets across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Scope of the Racket
According to police, Afsar Khan’s operation supplied fake paneer for about six months. The police have found that his network extended far into the NCR, including parts of Delhi. This means many people may have eaten unhealthy food without knowing it.
Previous Incidents
Back in June, police seized over 1,400 kg of fake paneer. They found it inside a vehicle during a routine check. This fake paneer was made using unhealthy ingredients instead of real milk.
Earlier arrests included three others: Gulfam, 23, Naved, 20, and Iqbal, 30. These men worked for Guddu, who is 30 years old and led the operations. Police suspect they were following orders from him to produce and distribute the fake paneer.
Legal Actions Taken
The police have charged Afsar Khan and his associates under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These laws include:
- Section 274: Adulteration of food or drink intended for sale.
- Section 275: Sale of noxious food or drink.
- Section 318(4): Cheating.
Food Safety Concerns in Punjab
The issue of fake paneer is especially relevant in Punjab. Punjab is famous for its dairy production. It plays a big role in India’s overall milk supply. Therefore, when there is adulteration in dairy products like paneer, it becomes a major health concern.
In 2022, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) found that many milk samples in Punjab did not meet quality standards. This suggests there are ongoing problems with food safety in the state.
Efforts to Ensure Food Safety
Chandigarh is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. The city has been working hard on food safety. However, many supply chains bring in products from surrounding areas. Sadly, some of these products are adulterated. This affects the safety of consumers in the city and nearby regions.
NCR: A Hotspot for Food Fraud
The National Capital Region (NCR) has become known for food safety violations. Several cases of adulterated dairy products have surfaced from states like Uttar Pradesh, which neighbor Delhi.
Because of this, local governments and health agencies are increasingly focused on improving food safety laws. They want to protect the public from harmful food.
Conclusion
The Arrested for Making and Selling Fake Paneer case of Afsar Khan highlights the problem of food adulteration. It shows how dangerous fake food can be. People need to be more aware of what they are buying. Meanwhile, authorities must continue to work hard to ensure food safety. This will help protect public health in Punjab and the NCR.
