Pune: PMC Launches Police Complaint After ₹10 Lakh Food Testing Machine Goes Missing
Pune: PMC Launches Police Complaint After ₹10 Lakh Food Testing Machine Goes Missing
Pune, July 19, 2026: A food testing machine worth nearly ₹10 lakh, purchased by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) nearly a decade ago, has reportedly gone missing, prompting the civic body to initiate the process of filing a police complaint.
The missing equipment came to light after corporator Mahesh Wabale raised a written query during the PMC’s July General Body meeting. In its official response, the administration confirmed that the machine could not be traced during a recent verification.
According to the PMC, the Health Department had procured a raw fibre extraction food testing machine in 2016-17 through a tender process at a cost of ₹9.98 lakh. The equipment was supplied by Five Go Raw-Fibre Extraction System Company and was assigned to the Food Hygiene and Health Laboratory under a joint project.
The civic administration stated that after the laboratory’s agreement ended, all equipment, including the food testing machine, was officially handed over to the then Veterinary Superintendent on February 1, 2018, along with a possession record.
However, during a recent physical inspection and verification of the inventory, officials found that the machine was no longer available. The PMC has now begun the process of lodging a complaint with the concerned police station to investigate the disappearance of the equipment.
The incident has raised concerns over the management and tracking of municipal assets, particularly expensive equipment purchased using public funds. Questions are now being raised over whether a detailed inquiry will be conducted and accountability fixed for the missing machine.
