Manmul scandal: Police probe alleged adulteration, illegal sale of milk powder

Mandya: Maddur police have arrested former Mandya Milk Union (Manmul) president Ummadahalli Shivappa in connection with the alleged adulteration and shortage of Nandini milk powder stock.

Police reportedly took the action after their investigation indicated Shivappa’s alleged role in the case. He has been remanded to police custody for five days for questioning as investigators probe the stock shortage, transportation and alleged illegal sale of milk powder.

Pradeep Kumar Jadhav, identified by police as the prime accused, had allegedly named Shivappa in an audio recording purportedly involving a conversation with a Manmul director. Jadhav, who was already in judicial custody, was subsequently taken into police custody for further questioning. Police later questioned Jadhav and Shivappa together.

The case surfaced after Manmul officials detected a shortage of 110.4 tonnes of milk powder. Police allege that 54.9 tonnes of adulterated powder was procured and stocked to compensate for the shortage, while a deficit of 55.5 tonnes remained, causing an estimated loss of ₹2.88 crore to the milk union.

Several people, including former Manmul official Jadhav, system operator Shruthi, godown manager Ravi, supervisor Srinivas, unit chief Srinivasamurthy and Shivappa’s associate Suresh, have been arrested. Another accused, Nideesh, reportedly died of a heart attack, while police are searching for absconding deputy manager Ramakrishna.

A case was registered at Maddur police station on August 30 following a complaint by a Manmul Quality Control Department assistant manager.