A major operation led by the Task Force and Mattewada Police in Hanamkonda district on Saturday resulted in the arrest of a gang accused of selling counterfeit and expired pesticides under renowned brand names.
Warangal:A major operation led by the Task Force and Mattewada Police in Hanamkonda district on Saturday resulted in the arrest of a gang accused of selling counterfeit and expired pesticides under renowned brand names. Acting on a tip-off, authorities raided the residence of the main accused, Erukulla Vedaprakash (53), in Mattewada, apprehending three members at that location.
Further raids targeting residences of suspects Alla Cheruvu Sekhar (37) and absconded Vishnu Vardhan led to the seizure of counterfeit pesticides, expired chemicals, fake seeds, pesticide manufacturing machinery, printing materials, two cars, and six mobile phones, valued at approximately Rs.78.63 lakh.
The gang, which included Mohammad Siddique Ali (46), Nooka Rajesh (40), Yellam Sadashivudu (57), M.D. Rafique (50), Podilla Sambayya (55), and Muddagula Aditya (32), allegedly procured large quantities of expired pesticides from local dealers. They repackaged and sold these chemicals under prominent brand names such as Dhanuka, Tata, Rallis, Bayer, and ADM to unsuspecting farmers.
Warangal police commissioner Sun Preet Singh credited the swift and coordinated efforts of the Task Force and police officers for dismantling the illegal network. The arrested suspects have been charged with fraud and the sale of counterfeit goods, while authorities continue the search for Vishnu Vardhan.
