Pabna, Sept 30 (V7N) – A mobile court in Bera upazila of Pabna has seized a large quantity of fake milk and harmful ingredients allegedly used to produce adulterated milk at a private residence.

The raid was conducted at the home of Uttam Ghosh and his wife, Poly Ghosh, in the Pechakola Ghat area from around 6:30pm to 10:30pm on Monday, September 28.

During the operation, Poly Ghosh, 35, was fined Tk 1 lakh for her alleged involvement in producing fake milk. The raid was led by Bera Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Nuren Maisha Khan, with local police assisting the operation.

According to the mobile court authorities, Uttam Ghosh and Poly Ghosh had allegedly been producing adulterated and artificial milk at their home for a long time using chemicals and other harmful substances.

Acting on a tip-off, the upazila administration conducted the raid on Monday evening. A large quantity of artificial milk stored in a large cooking vessel was seized from Uttam Ghosh’s room.

Authorities also seized palm oil, bleaching powder, chemical gel, baking soda, hot whey, a large vessel containing cream, skimmed milk and a blender machine allegedly used in the production process.

Uttam Ghosh, described by authorities as the main person involved, was not present during the raid. His wife, Poly Ghosh, was detained for questioning.

During interrogation, Poly Ghosh allegedly admitted that she and her husband had regularly been producing and marketing fake milk by mixing the harmful ingredients.

Based on witness statements, the seized materials and her statement, the mobile court fined her Tk 1 lakh.

Nuren Maisha Khan, who led the operation as executive magistrate and assistant commissioner (land), said the fake milk was being produced using chemicals that posed serious risks to public health.

She said the accused woman admitted her involvement and sought forgiveness. Considering the presence of her minor child and elderly mother-in-law at home, the authorities decided to impose a financial penalty instead of a jail sentence.

“We will continue such drives to ensure safe food for the public and prevent the production and sale of fake milk,” she said.

END/MSR/SMA/