HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) busted a large-scale tea powder adulteration racket during raids at 15 locations across the city on April 23, 2026. Ten persons were arrested for allegedly manufacturing and distributing adulterated tea powder.
Officials said the accused mixed synthetic colours and low-quality materials, including expired tea powder, to increase profits. The products were supplied to roadside vendors and some reputed sellers.
Accused persons and roles identified in probe
The arrested persons were identified as Paresh Rajan from Kompally, who allegedly supplied colouring agents; Sanju alias Pati from Petlaburj, who prepared and mixed colours; Satish from Musheerabad and Naveen from Bowenpally, both involved in mixing; Narsimha from Asifnagar, who handled mixing and packing in 250 g packets; Chunnilal Chaudhary from Rajendranagar, who prepared adulterated tea powder; and Narsimulu from Borabanda, Rajesh from Petlaburj, Ravinder from Bidar and Waseem from Mallepally, all allegedly involved in mixing and supply.
Traffic diversion near Ashok Nagar from March 13
Adulteration methods and supply chain details
Investigators found that the accused procured low-grade tea powder from suppliers in Kolkata, Kerala and Assam. They then mixed it with artificial food colours such as Sunset Yellow FCF and Tartrazine, along with jaggery juice, used tea powder and expired stock.
The accused repackaged the adulterated tea under different brand names and sold it as genuine products, officials said. Police added that such practices could cause stomach disorders, allergies and long-term health complications.
Seizures and legal action initiated
The team seized about 3,000 kg of adulterated tea powder, 1,500 kg of expired tea, 100 kg of jaggery and synthetic colouring agents. Cases have been registered under the Food Safety and Standards Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Officials clarified that the drive targeted manufacturing units and not roadside vendors.
Public advisory issued
Authorities urged consumers to buy tea only from authorised sellers and report suspected adulteration. Food business operators were warned of strict legal action, including criminal prosecution, if found involved in such activities.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of DCP Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath. The team was led by H-FAST inspectors N. Ranjith Kumar Goud and M. Anjaiah, along with sub-inspectors V. Akhil, P. Abhilash, V. Shankar, D. Ramya and other personnel.