The Maharashtra government has suspended four Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, including two assistant commissioners, over alleged procedural lapses while taking action against manufacturers and traders of flavoured and scented hookah tobacco, India Today reported on Friday. The lapses are alleged, and no finding against the officials has been announced.

According to the government, a review of two cases involving prohibited tobacco products found serious irregularities in the conduct of FDA officials, Mid-Day reported. Following that review, four officials were placed under suspension.

Departmental inquiries ordered against 21 more officials

The government has also ordered departmental inquiries against 21 other FDA officials in connection with the same banned-tobacco cases, the Free Press Journal reported. With the four suspensions and the 21 inquiries, a total of 25 FDA officials are facing administrative action.

The action against its own officials comes while the Maharashtra FDA is in the middle of a wider enforcement drive against prohibited tobacco products and unsafe food across the state. The departmental inquiries will decide whether the alleged lapses are established and what further action, if any, follows against the officials concerned.

Source: India Today via MyPressToday