Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) said cases of food adulteration could be booked on par with attempt to murder, underlining a zero tolerance approach towards offences that endanger public health.

Addressing a coordination meeting at the Telangana Integrated Command and Control Centre in Banjara Hills, Mr. Sajjanar said food adulteration would no longer be treated as a minor violation but as a serious crime with potential to cause grave harm. He announced that special joint teams comprising police and food safety officials would be deployed to act against adulteration at all levels, including large scale manufacturing and processing units.

Habitual offenders could face preventive detention

The Commissioner said a new standard operating procedure was being drafted to streamline inspections, raids, sample collection, seizure of adulterated products and arrests. He warned that habitual offenders could face preventive detention and permanent cancellation of trade licences.

WhatsApp and toll free helpline

Stressing the role of public participation, Mr. Sajjanar said a dedicated WhatsApp number and a toll free helpline would be launched soon to enable citizens to report instances of food adulteration. He assured that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.

Senior officers from the police and Food Safety Department attended the meeting. The Commissioner urged food business operators to comply strictly with quality and safety norms, warning that violations would attract action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Food Safety and Standards Act.