Greater Noida’s Jewar turned into a political battleground after the seizure of 1,150 kilograms of alleged fake paneer, leading to protests, allegations of police misconduct, and the suspension of two sub-inspectors. What began as a routine raid by food safety officials soon spiraled into a major controversy, drawing in senior BJP leaders.
Midnight raid and seizure of fake paneer
On Friday night, food safety inspectors intercepted a mini-tempo at Jewar toll plaza, acting on a tip-off. The vehicle, en route from Bulandshahr to Delhi, carried over 1,100 kg of paneer. Officials claimed the consignment emitted a foul stench, suggesting it was fake paneer. According to Sarvesh Kumar, Assistant Commissioner of Food, samples were collected before the remaining stock was buried in a pit with a JCB machine, as it was perishable.
Trader claims harassment and bribery
The trader, Lokender Chaudhary, however, alleged harassment by officials. He claimed police demanded a bribe of ₹1 lakh, which he refused, insisting his paneer was genuine. Chaudhary alleged that no proper sampling was done and that his entire stock, valued at ₹6 lakh, was destroyed. He, along with BJP worker Prem Veer, was allegedly detained and assaulted for protesting.
Political storm and police suspensions
The situation escalated when local pradhan, BJP workers, and eventually former Union minister Sanjeev Balyan joined the protest outside Jewar police station. Balyan accused police of mishandling the raid, claiming that the officers only “tasted” the paneer superficially and declared it fake paneer without proper lab testing. He also alleged manhandling of BJP worker Prem Veer, showing “blue marks” from alleged police assault.
Under mounting political pressure, police suspended two sub-inspectors to pacify the crowd. A senior Jewar officer admitted the suspensions were largely to ease tensions, though lab reports on the seized fake paneer are still awaited.
Ongoing investigation
Food safety officials maintain that preliminary checks revealed the paneer had a strong stench, raising immediate doubts about its quality. However, the final confirmation will depend on laboratory testing. Meanwhile, viral videos of heaps of paneer being buried underground have fueled further controversy.The Jewar case highlights the frequent raid
s on fake paneer in Delhi-NCR, where adulterated dairy products remain a persistent problem. But this time, instead of action against counterfeit food, the raid has left the police in the dock and a trader-turned-protester on the offensive.
Another chilling case came where in viral video shows JCB is being used to cook dal makhni.
