Adulterated ghee factories have emerged in the Bhangura region of Pabna, causing concern among locals and prompting swift responses from law enforcement. This fake ghee, made by mixing palm oil and dalda, has been cleverly packaged and distributed nationwide, including in Dhaka.
In a significant development, law enforcement uncovered one such adulterated ghee factory in Haropara Mahalla of Bhangura Paur town on a Saturday night. Bhangura Thana police quickly intervened, leading to the discovery and confiscation of materials used in making the counterfeit ghee.
Reports reveal that the Saratnagar-Bhavanipur road area in Bhangura town hosts approximately 20 ghee manufacturing units spread across Haropara and Bhavanipur villages. Notably, Sohag Ali from Patulipara village leased a property owned by Abdul Khalek in Haropara Mahalla. Ali turned the location into a deceptive factory where fake ghee and chickpeas were produced.
The factory was stocked with substantial amounts of palm oil, dalda, and the illicitly produced imitation ghee.
When alerted residents and media arrived, the factory's manager, Walid Hossain, was seen hurriedly removing the fake ghee and related materials from the back entrance. Hossain claimed that official intervention, especially involving the Upazila Nirbahi officer, would be ineffective at that hour. Pictures of the fake ghee were sent to the Deputy Commissioner for notification. Around midnight, a police team led by Rashedul Islam, the Officer-in-Charge of Bhangura Police Station, rushed to the scene. However, the factory's staff, including Walid, had fled by then. Despite their absence, law enforcement found quantities of dalda, imitation ghee, and blending machinery on-site.
Rashedul Islam stated, "We found ingredients for making fake ghee, including dalda, in a facility linked to Sohag. Unfortunately, the main individuals had escaped. We'll take legal actions as directed by higher authorities. The facility might be sealed."
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nahid Hasan Khan explained his inability to handle nighttime matters. He added that decisions about actions like removing fake ghee and related materials would be addressed later. "Appropriate actions will follow if the factory owner takes responsible steps," Khan noted.
