Mandya: The controversy over the alleged adulteration of milk powder at the Mandya District Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union (Manmul) has taken a political turn, with the BJP and JD(S) demanding that the case be handed over to CBI for a comprehensive investigation.The BJP’s Mandya unit has announced plans to lay siege to the Manmul facility at Gejjalagere on Wednesday, pressing for a CBI probe. Party functionaries have warned that if the case is not transferred to the central agency, they will launch a padayatra from Mandya to Gejjalagere along with senior state functionaries.The JD(S) has also vowed to intensify its agitation, accusing the state govt of failing to act against all those allegedly involved in the case. Current and former JD(S) MLAs from the district have warned of protests if the demand for a CBI inquiry is not accepted.The controversy centres on milk powder stored at a private warehouse in the Gejjalagere Industrial Area.According to reports, Manmul detected a shortage of milk powder during stock verification. Subsequent testing of samples allegedly revealed that some of the powder was of poor quality and unfit for use. Reports indicate that 129 of the 261 bags tested were found to be adulterated, while further tests identified additional bags that did not meet quality standards and were unsuitable for consumption.The issue has assumed significance as Manmul supplies milk products to govt-linked nutrition programmes, including anganwadis and schools. Police have arrested five persons in connection with the case.The BJP and JD(S) have alleged that the action taken so far has been inadequate and have demanded that the investigation be entrusted to CBI to ascertain the alleged irregularities and identify all those responsible.Manmul, however, has maintained that the adulterated and substandard milk powder was detected during its internal quality checks and was prevented from entering the market.
