FDA Suspends Ajanta Caterers’ Licence After Viral Video of MLA Assault Over Stale Food at Mumbai Hostel

The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) suspended the licence of Ajanta Caterers, which runs the canteen at the Akashwani MLA hostel in Mumbai.

This decision came after Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad assaulted a staffer for allegedly serving stale food.

The suspension order, issued on Wednesday, July 9, stated that the contractor had violated provisions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

Inspection and Findings

Earlier that day, the FDA conducted a detailed inspection at the MLA hostel. Led by Food Safety Officer RS Bodke, the team examined the kitchen, storage, and surrounding areas for over four hours.

Six officials collected 16 food samples, which have been sent to a laboratory for testing. The results are expected in 14 days.

Bodke said, “We have come to check how food is made and the conditions under which it is prepared. There was no complaint, but we monitor social media and act accordingly.”

Canteen Operations Suspended

The FDA directed Ajanta Caterers to halt all food services at the hostel from Thursday, July 10. This follows widespread outrage over a viral video showing Sanjay Gaikwad slapping and punching a canteen employee over allegedly rotten food.

Details of the Viral Video

The incident took place on Tuesday night, but the video surfaced the following day. In the clip, Gaikwad—dressed in a vest and towel—confronts the canteen contractor, makes him smell a packet of dal, then proceeds to slap and punch him.

Gaikwad also refuses to pay the bill and continues hitting the staff member, who falls to the ground. He is later heard saying he had taught the staffer a lesson “apne style se (in my style).”

MLA’s Justification and Claims
Gaikwad defended his actions, stating that the food served was spoiled and made him vomit. “I had ordered dal, rice, and chapatis. After the first bite, I felt unwell and vomited. The food was rotten,” he claimed.

He said that he had raised similar complaints in the past, but no action was taken. “Eggs 15 days old, non-veg 15–20 days old, vegetables 2–4 days old. Nearly 5,000-10,000 people eat here, and everyone has the same complaint,” Gaikwad alleged.

He further claimed that lizards, rats, and even ropes had been found in the food previously.

Political Reactions and Condemnation

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Gaikwad’s actions, calling them “unacceptable” and stating that such behaviour sends the wrong message about legislators misusing their power. “Assaulting staff is not the way to raise grievances,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also disapproved of the assault, stating that even if something was wrong, the legal route should have been followed. “Beating up people is inappropriate,” Shinde said.

Gaikwad Cites Party Legacy

Justifying his assault, Gaikwad invoked the Shiv Sena legacy. “If someone does not understand the language of democracy, this is my language. I am a warrior,” he said. He also claimed he would not hesitate to repeat the act if necessary.

He added that he had been staying at the MLA hostel for six years and would raise the issue again in the ongoing legislative session.

FDA’s Continued Vigilance

FDA officer RS Bodke confirmed that their inspections also cover hygiene, medical checks for kitchen staff, water quality, pest control, and garbage disposal.

Despite no formal complaint being filed, the FDA initiated the inspection after the video went viral, acting on social media monitoring.