Hyderabad police bust adulterated ‘Ginger Garlic’ paste manufacturing unit in Secunderabad
Hyderabad Authorities Uncover Illicit Operation Producing Tainted ‘Ginger Garlic’ Paste in Secunderabad
SECUNDERABAD: The Commissioners Task Force East Zone Team raided an adulterated ginger garlic paste manufacturing unit in Lalapet, Secunderabad, and apprehended Neela Venakateshwarlu for mixing titanium dioxide and Xantham gum into the paste.
This nefarious activity is not new for Venakateshwarlu, who has a history of similar offenses. The police seized a significant quantity of 1300 KG of adulterated paste, along with 20 KG of additives, worth Rs. 1,70,000.
Neela Venakateshwarlu, a supplier of ginger garlic paste in and around Hyderabad City, previously distributed branded company ginger garlic paste to various retailers. However, his income from this venture failed to meet his personal expenses. Consequently, he devised a scheme to manufacture ginger garlic paste using components like Titanium Dioxide and Xantham Gum in Lalapet, Secunderabad.
Neela Venakateshwarlu was found guilty of adulterating ginger garlic paste by mixing Titanium Dioxide and Xantham Gum into the product. He deceitfully marketed the adulterated paste as original and natural while selling it in the open market.
Furthermore, he has been supplying this adulterated product to petty vendors in and around Hyderabad, thus illegally profiting from his deceptive actions. Venakateshwarlu was previously apprehended by Lalaguda police and the Food Safety Officer, GHMC, Hyderabad, for similar violations.
Concerns about public health and safety were raised as these additives could pose harmful effects, including irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, and potential long-term health risks such as lung cancer. The accused has been promptly handed over to the Food Safety officer for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
A case has been registered against Venakateshwarlu under Cr.No. 43/2017 U/s 272, 273, 420 IPC of Lalaguda Police Station, as well as under U/s 52, 59 of the Food Safety Act in 2019.
This successful operation was conducted under the supervision of top officials, including Ande Srinivasa Rao, Addl. Dy. Commissioner of Police, Task Force, Hyderabad, and Inspector Alle Nagarjuna of the East Zone Task Force, among others.
Adulterated Ginger-Garlic paste exposes consumers to harmful additives
The accused, Neela Venakateshwarlu, utilised Titanium Dioxide, commonly known as TiO2, to enhance the brightness of the ginger garlic paste. Titanium Dioxide has been employed for over a century in various industrial and consumer applications, such as paints, coatings, adhesives, plastics, cosmetics, and toothpaste, among others. In this case, Venakateshwarlu exploited its brightening properties to attract consumers to the adulterated ginger garlic paste he was selling.
Xanthan Gum was added to the ginger garlic paste by Neela Venakateshwarlu to increase its stiffness, serving as a bridge between the paste and the water released from it. However, exposure to both Titanium Dioxide and Xanthan Gum can pose risks to human health, leading to irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Additionally, studies have indicated that Titanium Dioxide may cause lung cancer in animals, highlighting the potential dangers associated with these additives.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
