Cuttack, Sept 13: Prakash Khuntia, a hotel owner, and his associate Sudhir Tiwari have been arrested in connection with a large-scale milk adulteration racket operating in the Gurudijhatia area of Cuttack. Both individuals were taken into custody on Saturday and presented before the court.
According to police sources, Khuntia is believed to be the mastermind behind the illegal operation. Initial investigations revealed that the duo had been mixing milk with harmful powders and chemicals, posing serious public health risks. The illegal activities were being conducted at a facility behind a hotel near Kusupangi, falling under the jurisdiction of the Gurudijhatia police station. A milk tanker used in the operation was seized during the police raid.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the racket and uncover any other individuals who may be involved. The operation had reportedly been running for several days, with the hotel serving as a front for the illicit activities.
The case has sparked concerns over the police’s lack of updates on the investigation and their reluctance to address questions regarding potential involvement by influential figures. Investigators suspect the presence of more individuals linked to the racket.
Reports suggest that milk was sourced from Sambalpur and sent to a processing company, but details of the tanker’s origin and the company’s identity remain unclear. Typically, milk is tested at both the nodal centres and the processing facilities, raising questions about whether employees at the company may have been complicit, allowing the illegal operation to go undetected for days.
The case was uncovered following a raid on the night of September 10, near a hotel in Kusupangi, where police discovered the adulteration process in action. Although several suspects, including the driver, managed to flee, authorities seized the milk tanker and relevant equipment. Samples of the adulterated milk are being analyzed to assess potential health risks to the public.
