8 people held in custody for their alleged involvement in re-labelling expired food and other FMCG products have been released after posting bail.
On Thursday, a joint team of Nepal Police and the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection Management had raided three warehouses in Kalanki and Bafal. The raid had exposed an illegal practice of re-labelling several products including instant drinks, chocolate bars, and other FMCGs. Police had arrested nine individuals including Director of Ayan Distributors Private Limited Pushpa Devi Agrawal.
According to Netra Prasad Subedi, MD of Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection Management, eight of the nine arrested have been released as of Sunday. He also confirmed that Pushpa Devi Agrawal was required to post a bail of NRS 10 million, and was released on a general court date.
Meanwhile, Raunak Brotha, an Indian citizen is yet to be released and the department is investigating further his and other people’s involvement in the racket.
A majority of the goods seized from the warehouses which includes Snickers, Mars, Pringles, Oreo, Bournvita were found to be imported by United Distributors Private Limited and Life Care Distributors Private Limited – both companies owned by business conglomerate Vishal Group.
Meanwhile, Vishal Group, amidst a Press Release has denied any association with Ayan International, and has said the news reports tying the racket to Vishal Group were baseless.
MD Subedi of Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection Management has said an investigation is ongoing, and everyone who is found to be involved in the racket will be produced and charged for their wrongdoings.
Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Janak Raj Dahal, highlighting the lack of ethics and morals while indulging in such activities which were detrimental to public health, has said that he will ensure those guilty will be charged.
