Surat Chemist Arrested for Repackaging Animal Tonic as Children's Medicine

In a disturbing case of medical malpractice, the Surat police have arrested a 51-year-old medical shop owner for allegedly repackaging a liquid supplement intended for animal consumption and selling it as medicine for children. The accused, identified as Mohammad Sajid Ibrahim Mulla, reportedly profited by selling the mislabeled veterinary product at double the standard retail price of the actual paediatric medication.The operation was brought to light following a raid conducted by the Surat Special Operations Group (SOG) in the Gopipura locality of the city. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajdeepsinh Nakum, the police team targeted a local medical store where the illegal activity was allegedly being carried out. During the course of the operation, law enforcement officials successfully seized materials and various items estimated to be worth Rs 31,195.Investigations revealed that the accused had been procuring large industrial cans of Himalaya Liv.52 Protec Liquid, a veterinary feed supplement meant exclusively for animals. Once in possession of the bulk supply, Mulla allegedly transferred the liquid into smaller containers, specifically 60 ml and 100 ml bottles. To deceive unsuspecting customers, he reportedly applied counterfeit labels on these bottles, branding them as Himalaya Liv.52 Drops—a well-known paediatric product widely used for children’s health.By masquerading the animal tonic as a child-safe medicine, the accused was able to command a significant markup. DCP Nakum confirmed that the product was being sold to parents at twice its actual market price. This exploitation not only involved financial fraud but also posed a severe risk to public health, particularly for children who may have been administered the incorrect formulation.Following the raid and the subsequent arrest of the shop owner, local authorities registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the Athwa police station. The charges brought against Mulla are significant and reflect the gravity of the potential harm caused to the public. The police have invoked several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to prosecute the case.The specific legal charges against Mulla include Section 123, which pertains to causing hurt by means of poison, and Section 125, regarding rash or negligent acts that endanger human life. Furthermore, he has been charged under Section 336 for forgery and Section 278, which covers the sale of a drug as a different drug. These provisions underscore the seriousness with which the authorities are viewing the endangerment of young patients through the sale of fraudulent medical supplies.As of now, the allegations against Mulla remain under active investigation by the Surat police. Officials are working to determine how long this illicit practice had been operational and if any other individuals or distribution networks were involved in the scheme. The incident has prompted concerns among local residents regarding the safety and authenticity of medicines being sold in the area, leading to calls for increased oversight of small medical retail outlets.The authorities have indicated that they are committed to ensuring that those responsible for such acts of negligence and deception face the full extent of the law. While the immediate threat has been mitigated by the arrest and the seizure of the counterfeit stock, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated medical practices. Further updates on the progress of the investigation are expected as the legal proceedings continue at the Athwa police station.