Pune: PMC’s ‘Missing’ ₹10 Lakh Food Testing Machine Found After Media Reports
Pune: PMC's ‘Missing’ ₹10 Lakh Food Testing Machine Found After Media Reports
Pune, July 22, 2026: A food testing machine worth nearly ₹10 lakh, which the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had earlier reported as missing, has now been “found” following media reports on the issue. The Health Department has clarified that the machine was all along present in the Food Hygiene and Health Laboratory after a fresh inspection.
Earlier, the PMC Health Department had informed in a written reply that the machine, purchased during 2016-17 for ₹9.98 lakh, could not be traced and that the process of filing a police complaint had been initiated.
However, soon after reports about the missing equipment appeared in the media, the department conducted another search and claimed that the machine had been located inside the laboratory, prompting questions over how it had previously gone unnoticed.
The issue was raised by corporator Mahesh Wabale through a written query for the PMC’s July General Body meeting. In its initial response, the administration stated that the machine was not found during physical verification and that steps were being taken to lodge a police complaint.
According to the PMC, the Fibre Raw-Fibre Extraction System food testing machine was procured through the tender process in 2016-17 and supplied to the Food Hygiene and Health Laboratory under a joint project. After the laboratory’s agreement ended, all equipment, including the machine, was handed back to the municipal corporation.
Fresh Controversy Over A Second Machine
Despite the Health Department’s claim that the missing machine has now been found, Corporator Mahesh Wabale has alleged that the administration has provided incomplete information.
According to Wabale, two food testing machines were purchased for the laboratory, not one. However, the administration’s written response mentions only a single machine.
He said he would raise the issue during the General Body meeting and seek an explanation from the administration. The claim has sparked speculation within PMC circles that while one machine has been traced, the whereabouts of the second machine remain unclear.
