Tukaram Mundhen's raid campaign hides a massive “loot” from officials…?

Mumbai, (Anant Nalavde) – While the statewide crackdown led by the Food and Drug Administration Department’s Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe is striking at adulterators and rule‑breakers, serious allegations of alleged extortion by department officials from small businessmen have surfaced under the same campaign.

Previously, it was said that 10 to 12 thousand rupees were taken for a “closing notice,” but now it is alleged that this purported rate has jumped directly to 75 thousand to 200 thousand rupees.

An even more shocking claim concerns the license of a Quick Commerce company in Thane. It is alleged that, in collusion with relevant officials, 1.7 to 1.8 million rupees were extorted to restore their suspended license.

These allegations raise the question of what exactly is happening behind the FDA’s crackdown.

MP Sanjay Raute of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party has directly taken note of the case and sent a three‑page letter to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, containing serious allegations of the department officials’ extortion.

In it, MP Raute first welcomed Mundhe’s vigorous action, while demanding strict action against corrupt officials exploiting the campaign.

Also, Raute demanded in the letter an independent inquiry into fabricated complaints, disciplinary action against officials who act without following the proper notice and hearing procedures, and the public disclosure of complete information on license suspension and reinstatement.

While the stringent campaign to prevent food adulteration is essential for citizens’ health, if there is extraneous pressure or alleged extortion under its name, it too must be investigated.

Therefore, the next test of Mundhe’s crackdown campaign will focus not on how much action has been taken, but on how transparently it has been carried out.

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