Kolar police bust adulterated milk racket, arrest 8; Nandini products among seized goods

Mangalore Today News Network

Kolar, Jan 19, 2026: Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) police have arrested eight people for producing and distributing adulterated milk, including products sold under the Nandini brand of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). The arrests followed a late-night raid, during which authorities also seized raw materials and equipment used in the illegal operation.

The accused are Venkateshappa (50), Balaji (35), Dilip (25), Balraj (33), Manohar (28), Kartik (29), Manoj (22), and Manjunath (55).

Police uncovered a garden house on the outskirts of Balligere village, KGF, where counterfeit milk was being manufactured using palm oil and chemical additives. Investigators found that 1 litre of the mixture could produce 20 litres of fake milk, which was then supplied to dairies in Betamangala and surrounding areas.

“The accused were producing adulterated milk under the Nandini brand and other labels,” said KGF SP Shivanshu Rajput.

During the raid, authorities seized 350 packets of 500 g Nandini milk powder, 40 packets of 1 kg milk powder, 12 millet milk laddus, 7 packets of 500 g jaggery, 900 packets of palm oil, two mixers, 51 milk cans (38 litres each), and two distribution vehicles.

Police are investigating how milk powder intended for Nandini’s external sales and nutritional packets for Anganwadi centres reached the accused, and whether any government officials were involved.

The operation was carried out in the presence of DySP Lakshmiah, Circle Inspector P M Naveen, and Officer Markondayya.