The flesh discovered in a Malad doctor's ice cream has been proven to match the DNA of a Pune manufacturing worker by the forensic science lab in Kalina. The investigation, conducted by the Malad police, has now led to plans for legal action against the worker, his supervisor, and other officials involved.
The incident came to light on June 12, 2024, when 26-year-old Brandon Ferrao, a doctor from Malad West, found a piece of a human finger in his Yummo’s butterscotch ice cream. Shocked by the discovery, Ferrao immediately alerted the authorities, prompting a swift investigation.
The factory worker in question is 24-year-old Omkar Pote from Pune. Pote lost the tip of his finger on May 11 while filling ice cream cones at the Fortune Dairy factory in Indapur, Pune district. The factory produces ice cream under the Yummo brand. Following the incident, the Malad police collected Pote's DNA samples to determine if the finger found in the ice cream belonged to him.
The forensic report confirmed that the DNA from the finger matched Pote's DNA. Additionally, Pote's blood samples were tested to ensure he did not have any diseases that could pose a risk to consumers. The results showed no health risks from consuming ice creams manufactured in the same batch.
Senior police inspector Ravi Adane of Malad police station described the situation as a result of negligence on the part of the employee and the supervisors at the factory. The police plan to issue notices under Section 41 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which deals with offenses carrying a maximum punishment of less than seven years.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also taken action by issuing a stop-work notice to the Fortune Dairy unit in Indapur. The factory is now under scrutiny to prevent any further contamination incidents.
The Malad police have been thorough in their investigation. They visited the factory in Indapur, identified Pote, and collected his DNA and blood samples. They also registered a case against Yummo Ice Cream Company following Ferrao's complaint. The ice cream sample was sent to the forensic science lab for detailed analysis, which ultimately confirmed the match with Pote's DNA.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)