Greater Noida, September 20, 2025 — A political-firestorm has erupted in Greater Noida after two police officers were suspended following allegations that they assaulted a paneer trader and a BJP worker. The controversy comes after a high volume seizure of adulterated paneer, and escalated when former Union Minister Sanjiv Balyan lent his support to the trader. The episode raises questions about food safety enforcement, police conduct, and political interference.
Seizure of Paneer and Food Safety Alarm
On the night of September 12, Food Safety & Drug Administration (FSDA) officials in Gautam Budh Nagar intercepted a tempo mini-truck carrying more than 1,150 kg of paneer from Bulandshahr bound for Delhi via the Jewar Toll Plaza. The paneer was packed in plastic drums and boxes. When containers were opened, officials found the paneer emitting a foul odor and judged it to be unfit for human consumption.
A sample was taken for laboratory testing. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSA), such adulterated food items can lead to penalties, including fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment. Authorities said the remaining stock was destroyed — a step they deemed necessary to prevent health hazard.
Conflict at the Toll Plaza: Trader, BJP Worker, Police
The trader, identified as Lokendra Singh from Talesara village in Bulandshahr, and driver Pushpendra were involved in the transport. Also present was Param Vir Pradhan, a local BJP functionary. When officials attempted to seize not only the paneer but also the vehicle, Lokendra and Pradhan intervened, blocking the seizure. A scuffle reportedly broke out. Police detained Pushpendra, Lokendra, and Pradhan.
It was after these events that Pradhan filed a written complaint, alleging that the police conducted custodial assault and demanded bribes.
Former Minister Sanjiv Balyan Steps In
Sanjiv Balyan, former Union Minister and BJP leader, entered the fray in support of the trader and BJP worker. He led a sit-in protest that lasted around six hours after Pradhan’s complaint. His intervention drew media attention and pressured law enforcement and administrative officials to act.
Suspension of Two Police Officers
Following the complaint and protest, the Greater Noida Police suspended two officers:
- Anoop Dixit, in-charge of Jewar Toll Plaza Chowki
- Sansar Singh, inspector at Jewar chowki / toll plaza post
An inquiry has been initiated into their conduct.
Legal and Regulatory Context
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, adulteration of food is a serious offence. If lab tests confirm adulteration, the trader could face fines up to ₹1 lakh, imprisonment up to three years, or both.
Custodial assault and demand for bribes, if proven, could result in departmental action, criminal charges, and police oversight. Public trust and rule of law demands transparency in investigations.
Stakeholder Reactions
- Food Safety Officials defended their action to seize and destroy the paneer, citing public health risk.
- Lokendra Singh and BJP Worker Pradhan claim that due process was not followed — particularly regarding testing before destruction and alleged police misconduct.
- Political observers see Sanjiv Balyan’s involvement as an example of how politics quickly interposes into food safety and law enforcement issues.
Implications
This case highlights several concerns:
- Food Safety and Consumer Protection: Ensuring adulterated products do not reach consumers, especially in densely populated areas like Delhi NCR.
- Law Enforcement Integrity: Allegations of assault and bribery can erode public trust in the police.
- Political Oversight / Interference: When political figures get involved, there is risk of both positive oversight and misuse.
- Transparency in Regulatory Processes: Lab tests, seizure protocols, destruction of goods — all steps must follow the law to avoid future disputes.
FAQs
1. What exactly happened in Greater Noida?
Over 1,150 kg of paneer was seized by FSDA officials at Jewar toll plaza. The paneer was found to smell foul and deemed unfit for consumption. A trader, Lokendra Singh, intervened with a BJP worker, a scuffle followed, and police detained parties.
2. Who is former minister Sanjiv Balyan?
Sanjiv Balyan is a former Union Minister and BJP leader. In this incident, he supported the paneer trader and BJP worker by leading a sit-in protest after allegations of police misconduct emerged.
3. Which police officers were suspended, and for what?
Officers Anoop Dixit (Jewar Toll Plaza Chowki in-charge) and Sansar Singh (Inspector at Jewar chowki) were suspended. They are accused of custodial assault and bribery demands. An inquiry has been started.
4. What laws apply in this case?
The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 governs food adulteration offences. Police misconduct is governed by relevant criminal and departmental laws.
5. What penalties could the trader face?
If lab tests confirm adulteration, penalties can include fines (up to about ₹1 lakh), possible imprisonment (up to 3 years), and legal proceedings in court.
6. What has the food safety authority said?
They said the paneer was clearly smelling foul, unfit for human consumption; sampled, and the rest destroyed to prevent health risks.
7. Was the paneer already destroyed before lab testing?
Yes — after taking a sample for lab testing, authorities destroyed the remaining paneer (because of health safety risk).
8. Is there any counter-claim or dispute over the police action?
Yes — the trader and BJP worker allege that destruction was carried out without sufficient proof/testing, and that police used force and demanded bribes.
9. How did the public / media react?
Media has reported extensively; political voices like Sanjiv Balyan have given it prominence. Some observers view this as a test of system accountability.
10. What next in terms of inquiry and justice?
An official investigation has been ordered. Lab results are awaited. Depending on findings, disciplinary or criminal action may follow against those involved.
Conclusion
The Greater Noida paneer episode is about far more than spoiled dairy: it touches core issues of public health, enforcement accountability, and political oversight. When food safety laws are in question, it’s essential that seizures, testing, destruction, and law enforcement actions are transparent and scrupulously lawful. The suspension of the two officers signals that authorities are taking the allegations seriously — but trust must be earned through due process. As lab results and inquiry reports emerge, this case will likely shape how future food adulteration incidents are handled, especially when political figures intervene. For residents of the NCR and beyond, the lesson is clear: safety, law, and due procedure must go hand in hand.
Report by Toofan Express