FDA suspends four officials over tobacco seizure action, departmental inquiry against 21 more

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended four of its officers and initiated departmental inquiries against 21 more. The step follows questions over how action against two companies dealing in banned tobacco products was handled.

The suspension order is dated October 30. It was issued after the FDA commissioner began an inquiry into the action taken against SOEX India Pvt Ltd. The action was taken on the directions of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.

The action follows allegations of procedural lapses and irregularities during the raids. The raids drew wide attention, particularly the large seizure of tobacco and hookah flavour at the manufacturing unit of SOEX India Private Limited at Maval. The seizure was valued at Rs 31.67 crore.

On January 2, 2026, the FDA's special mobile squad seized 5,48,488 kg of banned tobacco products at SOEX, valued at Rs 31,67,21,987. The unit was then sealed. The department had noted that jurisdiction was an issue in the case.

Those suspended include Joint Commissioner (Food) Digambar Bhogavade and Assistant Commissioner (Food) Yaduraj Dahatonde. Food Safety Officers Ashok Ilagar and C. R. Swami are also among them. Proceedings have begun against them under Rule 8 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979.

The report states that Assistant Commissioner P. P. Suryawanshi and other officers were pressured to act against those involved in the sale of hookah products. Suryawanshi, however, refused.

The departmental inquiry will examine the role of the officers concerned. It will also look at the legal validity of the action, its jurisdiction, and whether administrative orders were followed.

FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal said the government will give the highest priority to compliance with the law and administrative accountability in matters of food safety.