Fri Jun 13 14:05:09 UTC 2025: **Headline: Fake Milk Ring Busted in Tenkasi, Couple Arrested for Chemical Concoction**
**Tenkasi, India – June 13, 2025** – A couple in Tenkasi has been arrested for producing and distributing over 1,000 litres of chemically synthesized “milk” daily to local hotels, tea shops, and the general public, according to the Food Safety Department officials. The arrests followed a raid on a building near the Tenkasi police station, prompted by the recent deaths of four residents at an old-age home due to suspected food poisoning and subsequent directives from District Collector A. K. Kamal Kishore for increased food safety inspections.
Gomathi Shankar and Lakshmi of Melapaavoor were found producing the fake milk using a mixture of chemicals. They have reportedly been operating the illegal milk production for over a year. Authorities also arrested Muppidathi, also from Melapaavoor, who is accused of supplying the chemicals used in the process. During the raid, 300 litres of the fake milk were seized, ready for distribution.
“The chemicals used…can cause serious side-effects if it is consumed everyday for a few months,” warned a Food Safety Department official. The official urged consumers who have ingested tea and coffee from local establishments to seek medical screening. Samples of the “milk” have been sent for analysis.
Police investigations revealed the couple sold the chemically produced concoction for ₹50 per litre, generating a daily revenue of ₹50,000 and a profit exceeding ₹40,000. A significant portion of the fake milk was being supplied to two tea shops at the Tenkasi new bus-stand.
Authorities are considering freezing the couple’s bank accounts and attaching their properties, similar to procedures used in cases involving drug trafficking. “We’re planning to apply the same procedure to this case also,” said a senior police officer. The investigation is ongoing.
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