8 hrs ago
FDA Chief Seeks Evidence Amid Extortion Allegations Against Officials
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused some FDA officials of demanding money.
He said officials threatened hotels and quick-commerce businesses with licence suspensions.
He also asked for an independent investigation.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said he had not received any complaint about bribery.
Mundhe said the FDA is transparent and shares daily updates about its actions.
He asked people to provide specific information and evidence.
Mundhe said officials who break the rules should be punished.
He also said he had asked businesses appealing licence suspensions whether officers had demanded bribes.
So far, he said no such complaint had been reported to him.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said he had received no complaints of officials seeking bribes.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused FDA officials of extortion and threatening licence suspensions.
Raut called for an independent inquiry into the allegations against officials.
Mundhe said the FDA is transparent and publishes daily bulletins about its actions.
Mundhe asked for concrete evidence and said any officials involved in malpractice would be punished.
- Who
- FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe responded to allegations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut against Food and Drug Administration officials.
- What
- Raut alleged extortion and threats involving licence suspensions, while Mundhe sought concrete evidence and promised action against officials involved in malpractice.
- Where
- Mumbai.
- When
- The allegations were made on Monday, and Mundhe responded on Tuesday.
- Why
- Raut sought an independent inquiry, while Mundhe said evidence was needed to investigate and punish any wrongdoing.
Allegation and Inquiry Demand
Evidence and Enforcement Response
Whether misconduct occurred
Allegation and Inquiry Demand
Sanjay Raut alleged that FDA officials were engaging in extortion and threatening hotels and quick-commerce businesses with licence suspensions.
Evidence and Enforcement Response
Tukaram Mundhe said no complaint of officials seeking bribes had come to his notice and asked that specific information be provided.
How the claims should be handled
Allegation and Inquiry Demand
Raut demanded an independent inquiry into the conduct of FDA officials.
Evidence and Enforcement Response
Mundhe said the Anti Corruption Bureau should increase vigilance and act if it has information, while stressing that he needs evidence to take swift action.
Accountability
Allegation and Inquiry Demand
The allegations implied that officials may be misusing licensing powers.
Evidence and Enforcement Response
Mundhe said any officials involved in malpractice would be punished, just as officers who make other mistakes should be punished.
Key facts
- Agency
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Commissioner
- Tukaram Mundhe
- Allegation
- Officials were accused of extortion and threatening licence suspensions.
- Accuser
- Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut
- Requested action
- Raut demanded an independent inquiry.
- Commissioner's position
- Mundhe said he had received no complaint of bribery and requested concrete evidence.
- Anti-corruption agency
- Mundhe wrote to the Director General of the Anti Corruption Bureau regarding the allegations.
Quotes
Tukaram Mundhe
Commissioner of Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration
“It (complaint of bribe) has not come to my notice. Please bring it to my notice if it is happening. If there are any black sheep, they should be punished. There is no question about it. The way officers who make mistake should be punished, those who resort to malpractices should also be punished.”
deccanchronicle.com
“If there is any information, please pass it on to me. We will act swiftly but I will need evidence.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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