ED files PMLA chargesheet against Milk Magic firm, MD Kishan Modi in Bhopal
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on 11 May 2026 filed a chargesheet against Jayshri Gayatri Food Products Private Limited and its Managing Director Kishan Modi under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) before a special court in Bhopal, in a case involving large-scale dairy adulteration and financial fraud. The Special PMLA Court in Bhopal has since taken formal cognisance of the charges following a pre-cognisance hearing.
The Adulteration Racket
According to the ED, the company — which markets dairy products under the Milk Magic brand — engaged in organised fraud by substituting natural milk fat with palm oil and other harmful substances. These adulterated products were distributed extensively across domestic markets and were also exported to foreign countries, posing a significant public health risk.
Forged Lab Reports and Export Fraud
The agency revealed that the firm submitted forged laboratory test reports, purportedly from reputed institutions, to the Export Inspection Agency to obtain mandatory export clearances. Upon verification, the laboratories concerned confirmed that the reports were fabricated. Through these fraudulent exports, the company generated proceeds of crime amounting to approximately ₹19.69 crore, which were subsequently routed through various bank accounts and formally identified as proceeds of crime.
Arrests and Custody
Managing Director Kishan Modi was arrested on 13 March 2026, followed by the arrest of then Chief Executive Officer Sunil Tripathi on 20 April 2026. Both officials remain in judicial custody. The case originated from multiple First Information Reports registered at the Habibganj Police Station and the Economic Offences Wing in Bhopal against the directors and officials of the company. Earlier in the investigation, the ED had also issued a Provisional Attachment Order to seize immovable properties linked to the accused.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have indicated that the probe into the roles of Sunil Tripathi and other key employees is still ongoing, as the agency continues to unravel the full extent of the alleged organised fraudulent network. The chargesheet marks a significant escalation in what investigators describe as a systematically run operation that compromised food safety standards at both domestic and international levels.