Hyderabad Police Commissioner announces special teams to combat food adulteration, treating it as a serious crime with strict penalties
Hyderabad Police Commissioner Addresses Food Adulteration
Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar announced on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, that food adulteration cases could be treated like attempts to murder. This highlights a zero-tolerance approach to offenses that threaten public health.
During a meeting at the Telangana Integrated Command and Control Centre in Banjara Hills, Mr. Sajjanar stated that food adulteration would now be seen as a serious crime. He mentioned that it has the potential to cause significant harm. Special joint teams of police and food safety officials will be formed to combat adulteration in all areas, including large-scale manufacturing and processing units.
The Commissioner noted that a new standard operating procedure is being created. This will help with inspections, raids, sample collection, seizure of adulterated products, and arrests. He warned that habitual offenders might face preventive detention and permanent cancellation of trade licenses.
Mr. Sajjanar emphasized the importance of public involvement. He announced that a dedicated WhatsApp number and a toll-free helpline would be set up soon. This will allow citizens to report food adulteration cases, and he assured that informants’ identities would remain confidential.
Senior officers from the police and Food Safety Department were present at the meeting. The Commissioner urged food business operators to follow quality and safety standards strictly. He warned that violations would lead to action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Food Safety and Standards Act.
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 7, 2026 | Meeting on food adulteration | Telangana Integrated Command and Control Centre, Banjara Hills |
