A Special Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Meerut has remanded two accused – Ravi Kumar Mathur and Rohit Baghel to judicial custody under Health Security & National Security Cess Act, 2025 until July 3, 2026, in connection with an alleged large-scale fraud involving the issuance of fake Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences and certificates. 

The case involves allegations of unlawful gains running into several crores of rupees through the creation and operation of a fake licensing network.

According to the remand order dated June 19, 2026, the accused, Ravi Kumar Mathur and Rohit Baghel, were produced before the court by officials of the Ghaziabad unit of the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI). Investigators alleged that the accused operated a sophisticated setup for generating counterfeit FSSAI licences, registration certificates and related approvals, resulting in substantial financial gains.

SPP Lakshay Kumar Singh on behalf of the Department informed the court that searches conducted on June 17, 2026, at premises linked to the accused led to the recovery of multiple electronic devices, including mobile phones and computers, as well as machinery allegedly used for packaging and labelling activities. Among the items reportedly seized were FFS packing machines, weighing equipment, sealing machines and other devices that investigators believe were connected with the alleged operation. Samples of products found at the premises were also collected and sealed in accordance with prescribed procedures.

Investigators further submitted that digital evidence recovered during the search, including mobile phones and other electronic records, required forensic examination. The prosecution argued that the seized devices contained critical evidence relating to the alleged generation and distribution of fake licences and certificates. Hash values of the electronic devices were reportedly recorded to preserve the integrity of digital evidence.

During the remand proceedings, the prosecution claimed that the alleged fraudulent activities involved transactions amounting to approximately ₹22.80 crore through fake FSSAI licence issuance. The authorities also referred to an alleged overall scam value of around ₹32.76 crore. Based on the material collected during the investigation, the prosecution sought judicial custody of the accused.

The court noted that the accused had been informed of their legal rights, including the availability of legal aid. However, the order records that the accused declined to avail free legal assistance and indicated that they would arrange their own legal representation.

After considering the prosecution’s submissions and examining the case records, the Special Chief Judicial Magistrate remanded both accused to judicial custody until July 3, 2026. The court directed that they be lodged in the District Jail, Meerut, and produced again on the next scheduled date in accordance with law.

The investigation into the alleged fake FSSAI licensing racket is continuing, with authorities expected to conduct forensic analysis of the seized electronic devices and examine additional documentary evidence to ascertain the full extent of the alleged fraud.

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