A high-level team from the Punjab Agriculture Department unearthed a massive counterfeit fertiliser and chemical manufacturing unit, operating secretly inside a residential bungalow in Faridkot on Wednesday.
Acting on a tip-off, a specialised team from Chandigarh, led by Joint Director Narinder Singh Benipal, conducted a surprise raid in Street Number 2 of Narayan Nagar.
The state-level team was joined by local officials, including District Agriculture Officer Dr Kulwant Singh and ADO Enforcement Dr Jatinderpal Maan.
During the operation, officials found a full-scale manufacturing and packaging setup inside the house. The team seized a significant haul, including large quantities of counterfeit zinc, potash, fertiliser, counterfeit branding material, including empty pouches and bags labelled as “Amravati" brand. The team also seized industrial packaging and sealing machines used to package the fake inputs.
Investigations revealed a deceptive strategy used to fleece unsuspecting farmers. The suspect was allegedly sourcing expired agricultural inputs and rebranding them by applying fresh stickers with new expiry dates.
Additionally, raw, substandard materials were being packaged as premium brand products like Zinc and Potash to be sold in the local markets.
"The suspect previously operated a shop in the Grain Market, but his license was cancelled six months ago. Instead of ceasing operations, he shifted the illegal business into a residential area to evade the eyes of the law," said Benipal.
The prime suspect, identified as Rajinder Sethi, managed to flee the scene before the raid was finalised. Agriculture department has lodged a formal complaint against Sethi to the police, said Benipal.
