The Maharashtra government has suspended four senior officers of the Food and Drug Administration and ordered departmental inquiries against twenty-one others following allegations of serious procedural irregularities in enforcement proceedings against two tobacco manufacturing firms. The disciplinary action stems from regulatory raids and seizures conducted at High Street Impex LLP in Thane and SOEX India Pvt Ltd in the Maval taluka of Pune district. Both entities are engaged in the manufacture and export of tobacco products. Those placed under immediate suspension until further notice include Joint Commissioner (Food) Digambar Bhogawade, Assistant Commissioner (Food) Yaduraj Dahatonde, and Food Safety Officers Ashok Ilager and C R Swami. Dahatonde was posted in Nagpur, while the other three officers served in the Pune division. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated that the matters originated prior to his appointment, noting that recommendations for administrative action were submitted in July or August and are being probed.
Irregularities in Action Against Two Tobacco Manufacturers
The departmental investigation centers on severe procedural lapses that took place during inspections carried out at the premises of both companies. In the case involving Thane-based High Street Impex, officials initiated punitive enforcement action under food safety legislation despite packaging labels explicitly stating “Not for edible use” and “Only for use in hookah for smoking purpose.” State investigators are scrutinizing the legal basis on which food safety statutes were applied to non-edible products carrying explicit smoking warnings. Inquiry officers are reviewing whether field personnel exceeded their statutory remit, along with the precise documentation and protocol adopted during the operation.
Large-Scale Seizure and Jurisdiction Doubts in Maval
In the second case under examination, an FDA special flying squad conducted a raid earlier this year at the manufacturing facility of SOEX India in Takwe village, situated within Pune’s Maval taluka. That operation culminated in the seizure of 5,48,488 kilograms of banned tobacco products valued at ₹31.67 crore, after which authorities sealed the premises. However, investigators are now questioning whether the flying squad personnel possessed valid administrative and territorial jurisdiction to carry out inspections, seizures, and property sealings in that specific taluka. Compliance with mandatory legal provisions during the entire enforcement drive has become an essential subject of the departmental review.
Internal Dissent and Discontent Follow Action
The punitive measures have triggered significant confusion and debate within the ranks of the Food and Drug Administration, with several officials questioning the criteria used to determine liability. An assistant commissioner alleged that the disciplinary action was misdirected, claiming that a food safety officer stationed in Bhiwandi who actually conducted the product sampling had been spared suspension while others were penalized instead. Another official observed that the administration has yet to formally disclose the identities of the twenty-one officers facing inquiries or provide specific details regarding proposed actions. A comprehensive review of all raids, seizures, and connected legal proceedings involving the two firms is now underway to pinpoint administrative lapses and establish individual responsibility, with further punitive steps dependent on the final inquiry findings.
