FDA officials extorting lakhs from eateries, quick-commerce firms, alleges Raut; seeks probe

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has accused Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) officials of extortion and threatening businesses like hotels and quick-commerce firms with license suspensions. In a letter to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, Raut alleged that the agency's crackdowns have turned its headquarters in Bandra and Thane offices into extortion hubs.

He claimed that designated officers, assistant commissioners, and food safety officers are openly threatening businesses with license suspensions and engaging in widespread extortion. Raut provided examples of a quick-commerce company paying ₹17-18 lakh and a hotel's license being suspended based on a social media post about a rat, despite no actual rodent being found.

He demanded an independent inquiry into the closing notice rate cards and the restoration of suspended licenses. Raut criticized the increase in the going rate for closing notices from ₹10,000-₹12,000 to ₹75,000-₹2 lakh under Mundhe's leadership and called for disciplinary action against officials who bypass legal procedures.