Hyderabad: A joint team of SOT Malkajgiri Team-II and Trimulgherry Police busted a fake cotton seed racket and seized material worth Rs 30 lakh.
The seized items included duplicate seed pouches, suspected spurious cotton seeds, a vehicle and mobile phones.
The operation followed a complaint from Solanke Yashwanth Rao, Telangana Marketing Manager of Narmada Sagar Agri Seeds Pvt. Ltd.
He alleged that unknown persons printed duplicate cotton seed pouches resembling his company’s products. He also alleged that they planned to market suspected spurious seeds without approvals.
Fake cotton seed racket uncovered during vehicle check
Acting on specific information, police intercepted a Maruti Eeco vehicle at Bowenpally Vegetable Market Yard.
The location falls within the limits of Trimulgherry Police Station.
During the inspection, officers found Yeruva Balashow Reddy alias Shiva Reddy, Kaparthi Bejimen and Donga Srinu transporting 12,800 duplicate cotton seed pouches.
Police alleged that the trio planned to market suspected spurious cotton seeds using counterfeit packaging.
Investigators said Yeruva Balashow Reddy, Managing Director of Rythu Sampada Seeds Company, hatched the plan due to financial difficulties.
According to police, Donga Srinu designed the duplicate pouches.
A printing unit in Bahadurpally printed the packaging, investigators said.
Fake cotton seed racket linked to seed stock
During questioning, the accused allegedly disclosed that they stored suspected spurious cotton seeds at an office in Bandlaguda.
Police then searched the premises and seized about 2,000 kilograms of suspected spurious cotton seeds.
Officials alleged that the accused procured the seeds from farmers.
They also alleged that the accused planned to sell them using counterfeit packaging.
The seized property included 12,800 duplicate seed pouches, about 2,000 kilograms of suspected seeds, a Maruti Eeco vehicle and three mobile phones.
Police estimated the total value of the seized property at Rs 30 lakh.
Fake cotton seed racket threatens farmers
Police said fake and unverified seeds pose a serious threat to farmers.
Poor-quality seeds can lead to weak germination, lower productivity and crop losses.
Moreover, such activities can cause significant financial hardship for cultivators.
Officials added that these practices undermine confidence in the seed distribution system.
Police also said the prime accused had figured in multiple cheating and seed-related cases in Telangana.
The accused are Yeruva Balashow Reddy alias Shiva Reddy, Kaparthi Bejimen and Donga Srinu.
The operation took place under the supervision of Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B. Sumathi and senior officers.