A special court in Gujarat frames charges against former officials of Dudhsagar Dairy, including former chairman Vipul Chaudhary, in connection with financial irregularities.
A special Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court in Gujarat on February 2, 2025, framed charges against former Home Minister and Chairman of Dudhsagar Dairy, Vipul Chaudhary, along with other former officials in connection with the financial irregularities involving the dairy.
Dudhsagar Dairy, located in Gujarat, is one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the state, primarily engaged in the production and distribution of milk and milk products. It plays a significant role in the dairy industry, providing employment and services to farmers across the region.
The court charged Chaudhary, Asha Thakor, the then-chairperson, and N J Bakshi, the managing director, with criminal breach of trust, criminal conspiracy, and corruption under provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Special prosecutor Vijay Barot stated that the case revolves around alleged financial misconduct related to cattle feed worth Rs 22.5 crore, which Chaudhary reportedly sent to Maharashtra in 2013, causing a significant financial loss to the dairy by not following the correct procedures.
However, the court did not frame charges against Moghji Patel, the former vice-chairman of Dudhsagar Dairy, following a stay on the trial court’s action by the Gujarat High Court, which has deferred the case until March 13.
The charges in this case have drawn attention due to the alleged misuse of authority and financial misconduct involving key figures in a major cooperative, which is crucial to Gujarat’s dairy industry.
