Mumbai: FDA Suspends Caterers' License After MLA Sanjay Gaikwad Assaults Canteen Staff Over Food Quality

Mumbai, Maharashtra (July 9, 2025):  The Food and Drug Administration has suspended the licence of Ajanta Caterers, which operates the canteen at the Akashvani MLA hostel, after Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad assaulted an employee over alleged poor food quality, ANI reported. The FDA acted after inspecting the canteen and seizing food items suspected to be stale. Samples were collected earlier in the day, and the licence was officially cancelled by evening.

#UPDATE | The Food and Drug Administration has suspended the license of Ajanta Caterers, which runs the Akashvani MLA canteen.

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad yesterday thrashed a canteen employee here, alleging poor quality of food. https://t.co/ZCQ3YN0Yo4

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025

The incident took place on Tuesday night when Gaikwad received dinner from the canteen. He alleged that the dal and rice were stale and foul-smelling. Enraged, he reportedly stormed into the canteen and assaulted a staff member. A video of the incident, which has since gone viral, shows Gaikwad in a vest and towel, forcing the employee to smell the dal before slapping and punching him. The employee is seen falling to the floor while Gaikwad continues the assault.

Shiv Sena Shinde faction MLA Sanjay Gaikwad beat up the canteen staff at the MLA Guest House over bad food. @Shivsenaofcpic.twitter.com/pX61kACT4u

— Visshal Singh (@VishooSingh) July 9, 2025

The video triggered strong reactions from political leaders across party lines. Speaking in the Maharashtra Assembly, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab demanded Gaikwad’s suspension and urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take strict action. Fadnavis admitted that the MLA's behaviour was inappropriate and said it tarnished the image of all elected representatives.

“I have taken note of the matter. Such behaviour is not acceptable. The vegetables may have smelled bad, but beating someone over it is not right,” said Fadnavis. He added that elected officials should not resort to violence as it lowers the dignity of the legislature. He called on the Speaker to decide what action should be taken.

Read Also | Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad Slaps and Punches Canteen Staff Over Poor Food Quality; Video Emerges

MLA Gaikwad has defended his actions by accusing the canteen of consistently serving unhygienic food. He claimed the food included stale meals and spoiled eggs. Gaikwad said he had raised the issue several times but no action was taken. He also said he would react in the same way again if faced with similar circumstances.

VIDEO | Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad thrashes a staff member of a government canteen alleging that poor quality of food was being served. Here's what he said:

"People from all across the state come here, workers, officials everyone come here to have food. The quality of… pic.twitter.com/IfyhzdZU5g

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 9, 2025

Gaikwad has previously made headlines for controversial remarks and aggressive behaviour. In 2024, he offered a cash reward to anyone who cut off Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue. In 2025, he apologised after making inappropriate remarks about police officers. He was also seen thrashing a youth with a stick in a separate video last year.