Tukaram Mundhe seeks evidence on Sanjay Raut’s FDA extortion charges, says no complaint received so far

MUMBAI: Amid allegations of extortion against Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Tuesday said he had not received a single complaint of bribery but maintained that any official found indulging in malpractice should be punished.

He, however, sought concrete evidence against officials before taking stern action.

Mundhe’s remarks came a day after

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused FDA officials of indulging in extortion and allegedly threatening hotels and quick-commerce businesses with licence suspensions.

Raut had also demanded an independent inquiry into the allegations.

Reacting to the charges, Mundhe said the FDA was absolutely transparent.

"It has been issuing daily bulletins on actions taken by the agency. There is nothing to hide," he said.

Mundhe seeks evidence against FDA officials

The FDA commissioner said he had written to the Director General of the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB), stating that the FDA was strictly enforcing the law pertaining to food violations.

"If the ACB has any information about FDA officers involved in it, then it should step up vigilance and take action," it said.

Mundhe said he had not received any complaint of bribery against FDA officials.

"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," Mundhe said.

"If there is any information, please pass it on to me. We will act swiftly but I will need evidence," he added.

Mundhe asks licence suspension appealants about bribes

The chief of the state food and drug regulatory authority said he had been holding hearings on appeals filed by those whose licences were suspended.

"I also ask them (those who have appealed against the suspension of license) whether our officers have sought bribes. I don't have a single complaint that any officer has sought bribes," he said.

Without naming him, Mundhe also asked Raut to share specific details of officials allegedly seeking bribes.

(With PTI inputs)