Nearly 1,000 kg fake chilli, garam masala, turmeric and coriander found in Delhi’s Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest wholesale spice market

Police have seized 802 kg of counterfeit spices and condiments from Khari Baoli, the historic masala hub in Old Delhi, following a raid on an illegal manufacturing unit operating in the Naya Bans area.

Tip-Off Leads to Raid in Naya Bans Area

Acting on a tip-off received on Saturday, police raided the ground floor of a house where an illicit spice production unit was allegedly functioning. Officials discovered a setup used for manufacturing adulterated spices using harmful and non-edible substances

According to DCP (Crime) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, “Adulterated spices, artificial colours and raw materials used for preparing the fake spices were found on the premises.”

Huge Quantity of Adulterated Materials Seized

During the raid, police recovered grinding machines along with large quantities of raw adulterants. The seized items included fake versions of red chilli, turmeric and yellow chilli powders, which were reportedly mixed with coarse rice, crushed chilli stalks, coriander stems, and hazardous industrial dyes to imitate natural spice colours.

Authorities are now investigating how much of the adulterated stock may have already reached consumers’ kitchens.

Arrest Made in Connection with Case

Police arrested one individual identified as Kalamjeet (31), who is suspected to be involved in the operation. During questioning, he allegedly admitted to preparing and supplying adulterated spices.

He reportedly told police that he produced and distributed fake spices such as turmeric, red chilli, yellow chilli, coriander, amchoor, and garam masala by mixing harmful adulterants. The counterfeit products were supplied across the Delhi-NCR region. Kamaljeet is a resident of Guru Nanak Dev Colony in Mukundpur.

Food Safety Officials Collect Samples

Officials from the Food Safety Department of the GNCTD also visited the site, collecting samples for laboratory testing and further legal proceedings under food safety regulations.

Case Registered Under BNS Sections

A case has been registered under sections 274 (adulteration of food for sale), 275 (sale of noxious food), 318 (cheating), and 3(5) (common intention) of the BNS.

[With TOI inputs]