Rajkot YouTuber Charged with Spreading Misinformation About Amul Milk

Police in Ahmedabad have launched an investigation into a Rajkot-based YouTuber for allegedly spreading misinformation about one of India’s most recognized dairy brands, potentially threatening consumer trust in a sector vital to the country’s agricultural economy.

Authorities from the Chandkheda police station have registered a formal complaint against Dr. Hitesh Jani following allegations that he published false and misleading claims about Amul milk and other dairy products on his YouTube channel. The complaint alleges that the content was created with the intention of damaging the reputation of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF), which operates the Amul brand.

The case was initiated after Akash Vijaykumar Purohit, a 39-year-old assistant manager in the quality assurance department at GCMMF’s Amul Dairy unit in Bhat, Gandhinagar, discovered the controversial video while working on November 3. Titled “Do you know how milk comes to your home?”, the video has since gained significant traction across multiple social media platforms.

According to Purohit’s statement to police, the video contained numerous unfounded claims about Amul’s production processes and product quality. These allegedly false assertions included claims that Amul milk contains 22 different chemicals and that banned pesticides such as DDT are added during processing.

The video also reportedly alleged that Amul routinely adds preservatives like sodium benzoate and emulsifiers to its milk, sells week-old milk as fresh, underfills its 500 ml pouches by 10-20 ml, and deliberately deceives consumers despite holding ISI and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certifications.

Beyond specific product accusations, Dr. Jani allegedly framed Amul as part of a broader conspiracy involving “foreign control” over India’s dairy sector. This claim strikes at the heart of Amul’s identity as one of India’s most successful cooperative movements and a symbol of self-sufficiency in dairy production.

“These baseless statements have created fear and mistrust among consumers who rely on Amul products daily,” Purohit stated in his complaint. He expressed particular concern about the potential impact of the claims given Dr. Jani’s medical credentials, which could lend unwarranted credibility to the allegations in consumers’ minds.

The dairy cooperative movement holds significant importance in India’s agricultural landscape, with Amul being its most prominent success story. Founded in 1946, the cooperative model has empowered millions of small and marginal dairy farmers across Gujarat and other states, helping India become the world’s largest milk producer.

Food misinformation on social media platforms has become an increasing concern for regulatory authorities and food producers in recent years. The rapid spread of unverified claims can significantly impact consumer behavior and trust, with potential economic consequences for targeted companies and entire sectors.

The Chandkheda police have begun examining the video’s content and tracking its spread across social media networks. Officials indicated they are working to verify the allegations and trace the original publication of the content. If found guilty, Dr. Jani could face charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act related to defamation and dissemination of false information.

GCMMF representatives have not yet issued a comprehensive public response to the allegations, though the filing of the police complaint signals the seriousness with which the organization is treating the matter. The case highlights growing tensions between traditional food producers and the largely unregulated sphere of food commentary on social media platforms.