Mangaluru/Udupi, Aug. 21 -- A team of officials led by the assistant commissioner of the Kundapur sub-division in Udupi district raided multiple locations in Alevoor village following reports of an illegal chemical banana-ripening network on Thursday morning.

During the raid, authorities seized 5,000 kg of raw banana bunches valued at Rs.4 lakh, along with chemicals, artificial colors, and equipment used for artificial ripening. Police said a case has been registered. Action was initiated following specific intelligence that chemically treated bananas were being supplied to local shops, weekly markets, and daily vendors in and around Udupi, they said. The joint team targeted three warehouses belonging to banana traders and stockists simu...