Srinagar, Dec 28: The police has unearthed a racket of fake spice manufacturers by arresting its kingpin from Shergarhi Mohalla in Shahr-e-Khaas where the accused used to manufacture the spices mostly by mixing sub-standard rice floor with chemical reagents and colors.
 While two of the group have been arrested, more are likely to be trapped as the investigations are on.
 This was disclosed by the Senior Superintendent of Police Syed Ashiq Hussain Bukhari at a news conference in the old City.
 Bukhari said a huge quantity of fake spices have been recovered.
 The police said at the tip off the Police Station MR Gunj Srinagar has arrested the duo accused –Muhammad Latif Makaya son of Ghulam Ahmad resident of Qazi Masjid Karfalli Mohalla and Shabir Ahmad Makaya son of Abdul Wahab resident of Bemina.
 “The accused were running a fake spices mill by the name of Mehboob Spices at Nawabazar and were selling the lot to common people on high rates,” the SSP said.
 Later talking to Greater Kashmir SP North City Showkat Shah said the “modus operandi of the accused was to mix powdered rice or saw dust with synthetic colours and chemicals to make fake turmeric and chilly powders.”
 Giving details he said the accused would procure substandard rice at around Rs 15 per kg and spend another Rs 5 on using chemicals and packing.
 “This was they prepared a KG of fake spices for Rs 20 and would sell the same in open markets for Rs 200 to 250 thereby making manifold profits,” the SP explained.
 The police has registered a case FIR No 116 of 2010 under section 272,273 RPC, 3/7 E.C Act.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 28 Dec 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 29 Dec 2010 00:00:00 IST