On Cam: MLA Hostel Canteen Shut Down After Shiv Sena MLA Assaults Staff Over Stale Food
On Cam: MLA Hostel Canteen Shut Down After Shiv Sena MLA Assaults Staff Over Stale Food
Maharashtra FDA suspends Ajanta Caterers’ licence following viral video of Sanjay Gaikwad’s violent outburst
The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of Ajanta Caterers, the firm running the canteen at the Akashwani MLA Hostel in Mumbai, following a viral video showing Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad violently assaulting a canteen staff member over allegations of stale food.
The suspension order, issued Wednesday, cites multiple violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations. The move comes after an FDA inspection at the canteen, during which six officials collected 16 food samples, now sent for laboratory testing. Results are expected within two weeks.
Despite no formal complaint being filed by the MLA, the FDA took suo motu action based on the viral video, in which Gaikwad is seen forcing a contractor to smell a packet of food and then punching and slapping him multiple times. The legislator, associated with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, claimed the dal he consumed was rotten, which led to vomiting and uneasiness.
“I have complained repeatedly about the poor food quality here. Nothing has changed,” Gaikwad said, alleging, “Eggs are 15 days old, non-veg up to 20 days old, and vegetables 2 to 4 days old. Even lizards and rats have been found in the food.”
The FDA’s inspection included checks for food hygiene, worker health records, kitchen cleanliness, pest control, water standards, and garbage disposal protocols. FDA Joint Commissioner Suresh Deshmukh stated, “There was no official complaint, but we monitor social media to protect public health. This case demanded immediate action.”
The canteen’s operations will be suspended from July 10, until further notice.
In the video, Gaikwad can be heard saying he handled the matter in “apne style se” (my style), proudly referencing Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena approach. “If someone does not understand the language of democracy, this is my language. I am a warrior,” he declared to the media, adding that he would not hesitate to repeat the act if provoked again.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticised Gaikwad’s behaviour, calling it “unacceptable and harmful to the dignity of the legislature.” He emphasised that violence against staff is not the way to seek redress.
Despite the criticism, Gaikwad has remained defiant and plans to raise the issue during the legislative session, continuing to defend his outburst as necessary in the face of repeated negligence.
The FDA’s swift action, however, has drawn praise, with public health experts and civil society groups welcoming the move as a step toward accountability and food safety in public institutions. The incident also puts a spotlight on MLA facilities and the quality of services provided, which now face increased scrutiny.
