Sabar Dairy director alleges assault over ‘fake milk’ row

A row over alleged supply of adulterated milk to dairies in north Gujarat led to a scuffle between directors at Sabar Dairy, with a Congress-backed member accusing two BJP-supported directors of assault.

Former MLA and Sabar Dairy director Jashu Patel alleged that he was manhandled in the chamber of chairman Shamalbhai after he sought details regarding allegations that chemical-laced or “fake” milk from Saurashtra was being supplied to dairies in the region.

Patel claimed that when he demanded information about the quantity of milk received and possible discrepancies, two directors from the Aravalli zone became agitated. He alleged that he was pushed from his chair, kicked, and his clothes were torn. He said he suffered minor injuries and has initiated steps to file a complaint.

The controversy follows recent allegations that adulterated milk was being transported from Saurashtra to border dairies in Aravalli district. Representations were made to the dairy authorities, who subsequently called experts from the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation to conduct an inquiry.

Dairy officials, however, said no evidence of fake milk had been found during the investigation.

Patel further alleged that he was earlier stopped near Ranasan by the same directors while he was on his way to the dairy, who accused him of defaming the cooperative sector in Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts.