Hyderabad: Hyderabad, famously known as Bhagyanagar, is world-renowned for its ‘Irani Tea’, but in the very air of this city, some people were playing with the health of the public for the sake of a few rupees. A joint operation by the Hyderabad Police Special Task Force (STF) and the Food Safety Department has busted a major gang that was producing fake tea leaves using wood sawdust and lethal chemicals. During this raid, the police arrested 10 people including the kingpin of the gang.
Raids and Seizures
The police had been receiving information for the past few days about suspicious activities in the city’s outskirts and some warehouses in Old Hyderabad. After receiving solid information, the police team simultaneously raided three different locations under the jurisdiction of Katedan and Rajendranagar police stations.
The scene that unfolded during the raid shocked even the officials. The police recovered a large quantity of fine wood sawdust, synthetic food colors, harmful chemicals, and low-grade tea leaves from the spot. Apart from this, empty packets of famous brands and packing machines were also seized, which were used to sell this fake product as branded.
How was this ‘Slow Poison’ prepared?
Shocking revelations have come to light during the interrogation of the arrested accused. This gang was producing these fake tea leaves in an extremely cunning manner:
Base: First, the base was prepared by drying fine wood sawdust and used tea leaves.
Color and Shine: To give it a deep tea-like color, industrial chemicals such as ‘Bismarck Brown’ and ‘Metanil Yellow’ were used, which are usually employed in dyeing clothes.
Aroma and Taste: Artificial flavors and chemicals were added to bring an authentic tea-like smell.
Mixing: 10-20 percent real but lowest grade tea leaves were mixed into this prepared mixture so that no one would suspect anything.
Supply Network in the Market
According to the police, this gang mainly targeted small hotels, tea stalls, and local grocery stores where price matters more than quality. These people used to pack this poison in fake packets of famous brands and sell it at a price much lower than the market rate. The investigation has also revealed that their network was not limited to Hyderabad, but the supply was also being made to neighboring districts and rural areas of Telangana.
Serious Health Risk
Health experts say that this tea made from wood sawdust and industrial colors is extremely fatal for the body. Its consumption can not only damage the digestive system but long-term use can also cause life-threatening diseases like liver damage, kidney failure, and cancer. The chemicals directly affect the stomach lining, increasing the risk of ulcers.
Police and Administrative Action
The Hyderabad Police Commissioner informed the media, “We have registered a case under various sections of the IPC and the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI). The 10 arrested accused have been sent to judicial custody. We are investigating where these people were getting the supply of chemicals and which big distributors they are linked to.”
The Food Safety Department has appealed to the public to avoid buying loose tea leaves and only purchase goods from authorized sellers. If the tea leaves start releasing a deep color immediately when put in cold water, understand that it is adulterated.
