Agriculture dept inspection finds dimefluthrin, a substance used in mosquito repellents, shuts unit, bans sale of products; The complaint was filed by Bhagwan Pathare, an agricultural officer, after tests confirmed the presence of the chemical in the incense sticks seized from the company
Lab reports confirm the presence of dimefluthrin in agarbattis, leading to FIR under the Insecticides Act. Representation pic/istock
The Santacruz police have registered an FIR against an incense stick manufacturing company, for allegedly using the chemical pesticide dimefluthrin in its products without a valid licence.
The complaint was filed by Bhagwan Pathare, an agricultural officer, after tests confirmed the presence of the chemical in the incense sticks seized from the company. Following the findings, the agriculture department has also shut down the unit and prohibited the sale of its products in the market.
According to police, about a month ago, the agriculture department launched a probe after receiving information that incense sticks containing dimefluthrin were being sold. During an inspection, officials found the chemical in 29 boxes of a brand’s incense sticks.
“This chemical is usually used in mosquito repellents and insect-control products and is not permitted for use in incense sticks. Its use can be harmful to human health. The company also did not have permission from the Central Insecticides Board to use the chemical, yet it allegedly continued manufacturing and selling the product,” a police officer said.
Speaking to mid-day, Pathare said, “We inspected the company premises and found dimefluthrin in 29 boxes of incense sticks. Three boxes were sent to the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM) for laboratory testing, which confirmed the presence of the chemical. As the company did not have a licence to use it, we informed the Santacruz police to investigate. The brand was shut down a month ago, and after receiving the test reports and other evidence, the FIR has now been registered.”
Police said an first information report has been registered under the Insecticides Act, 1968, the Insecticides Rules, 1971, and Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation is underway.
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