Nashik: Five FDA Officials Suspended Over 252-Tonne Supari Disposal

In Nashik, five Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials have been suspended following allegations of irregularities in the Malegaon supari case. The suspension comes after a probe into the disposal of 252.328 metric tonnes of betel nuts, seized on February 11, 2024, from Malegaon's markets. The market value of the seized stock was estimated to be around ₹10 crore.

Initially, laboratory tests found the material unfit for human consumption, leading to a court order for its destruction. However, questions arose regarding the complete destruction of the betel nuts or merely recording the disposal on paper. Allegations of procedural violations, questionable documentation, and discrepancies in records concerning vehicles and witnesses were raised.

The absence of permission from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and supporting expenditure bills were also under scrutiny. The inquiry examined whether senior officials were informed about the action and if the court's directives were implemented as per practice. Five officials - Avinash Dabhade, Amit Raskar, Gopal Kasar, Yogesh Deshmukh, and Suvarna Mahajan - have been suspended.

This development has reignited discussions on accountability in food safety enforcement, the disposal of seized goods, and the adherence to court orders. While the suspension is an administrative measure, the allegations will be evaluated through a proper inquiry and legal process before any conclusions are drawn.