Samastipur: A suspected fake spice manufacturing unit was raided and sealed in Bihar’s Samastipur district on Thursday after a joint team of the police, administration and food department recovered large quantities of suspicious raw materials, including low-quality rice, rice powder, wood sawdust, paddy husk and colouring agents.
The raid was conducted in Birsinghpur village under Kalyanpur police station limits under the leadership of Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Rakesh Kumar. Several people working at the premises allegedly fled after seeing the team, while one person was detained for questioning.
The team also seized samples of various finished and under-production spices for laboratory testing. The factory was sealed following the raid.
Rice, Sawdust and Other Materials Found
SDM Rakesh Kumar said the administration had received information that fake garam masala was allegedly being manufactured in Birsinghpur for a long time. Acting on the tip-off, a team comprising officials from the administration and a food inspector raided the premises.
During the operation, officials recovered large quantities of materials allegedly used in spice production, including low-quality rice, rice powder, wood sawdust, paddy husk, colouring agents and red-powder-like material.
According to the SDM, the recovered materials could potentially be harmful to health. However, the actual composition of the substances and their possible health effects will be established only after the seized samples are tested and the laboratory reports are received.
Unit Allegedly Operating for a Long Time
Preliminary information suggests that the unit had been operating in the rural area for an extended period.
According to local residents, the premises were initially used for grinding whole spices brought in by customers. However, they alleged that the nature of the operation later changed and the unit began manufacturing fake garam masala.
Investigating agencies are examining when the alleged adulteration business began and who was involved in its operation.
Factory Owner Yet to Be Identified
Most of the people present at the premises reportedly fled during the raid. The identity of the actual operator of the unit has not yet been established.
The person detained during the operation is being questioned. Officials are also investigating in whose name the unit was operating and whether the necessary licences and permissions had been obtained.
Administration to Investigate How the Unit Operated
SDM Rakesh Kumar said the administration would investigate how the unit had allegedly continued operating for such a long period and whether any lapses had occurred.
He said action would be taken against those found responsible in accordance with the law.
The factory remains sealed, and further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation and the laboratory reports of the seized spice samples.
