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Sanjay Raut Alleges FDA Extortion, Demands Probe Into 'Closing Notice Rate Card'
- •Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has accused Maharashtra FDA officers of extorting hotels, restaurants, and quick-commerce firms by threatening licence suspension.
- •Raut's letter to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe welcomes the crackdown on food adulteration but highlights alleged aggressive extortion practices.
- •The alleged 'rate card' for a 'closing notice' has reportedly increased from Rs 10,000-12,000 to Rs 75,000-2 lakh since Mundhe took charge.
- •Raut claims officers are bypassing legal procedures for licence suspension, exploiting Mundhe's high-profile raids, and demanding money openly.
- •He seeks an independent probe into the alleged rate card, licence reinstatement cases, and disciplinary action against officials bypassing due process.
Key Questions Answered
Sanjay Raut alleged that Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers within the Maharashtra FDA are extorting hotels, restaurants, and quick-commerce businesses by threatening them with licence suspensions. He claimed that a "closing notice rate card" has surged from Rs 10,000-12,000 to between Rs 75,000 and Rs 2 lakh.
Sanjay Raut has demanded an independent probe into the alleged rate card and licence-reinstatement cases, mandatory verification of customer complaints before raids, and disciplinary action against officials bypassing proper legal notice and hearing procedures. He also called for a separate investigation into an alleged Rs 17-18 lakh extortion incident and public disclosures of suspension reasons.
While welcoming the crackdown on food adulteration and dirty kitchens since Mundhe took charge in May 2026, Raut criticized some officials for exploiting the commissioner's high-profile raids. He claimed that licences are suspended on sight of minor issues like rats or expired goods without following due legal sequence, and argued that the pharma sector escapes similar scrutiny.
