Paresh Rawal urges Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to 'protect' IAS officer, Tukaram Mundhe
Mumbai, Aug 9
Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has requested the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis to protect the IAS officer, Tukaram Mundhe, who currently serves as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration for Maharashtra.
On Sunday, the veteran actor took to his X, formerly Twitter, and wrote, "To put it with humility and respect that it should the priority and Dharm of Honourable CM @Dev_Fadnavis ji to protect Shri @Tukaram_IndIAS that he should not be xfered or shunted out of his department".
Tukaram Mundhe has emerged as the face of the state's intensified food-safety crackdown. Since taking charge in May 2026, Mundhe has overseen statewide inspections targeting food adulteration, unhygienic establishments, illegal products and violations across the supply chain. The campaign has particularly focused on milk adulteration, with synthetic milk units being uncovered and tighter scrutiny ordered across dairies, distributors and retailers.
The FDA has also acted against eateries and manufacturers violating safety norms. More recently, Maharashtra banned the manufacture and sale of artificial cheese, with strict action promised against products misrepresented as dairy paneer.
He conducted 195 raids in five days during an early-June statewide crackdown. The operation resulted in 192 arrests and seizure of banned gutkha and pan masala worth around ₹1.99 crore, as per the Maharashtra FDA itself.
Recently, he ordered a statewide crackdown on junk food in and around schools. The July 29 directive bans the sale, advertisement and free distribution of high-fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods within school premises and a 50-metre radius. The restrictions cover products such as chips, soft drinks, chocolates, fried snacks and other ultra-processed foods. The order applies to government, aided and private schools across Maharashtra. School canteens, kitchens and food suppliers must hold valid food-safety licences, while schools have been asked to promote nutritious options including fruits, pulses, milk, vegetables and whole grains.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I grew up in Maharashtra and have seen how adulterated food has affected our families. This officer's crackdown on synthetic milk and artificial cheese is a game-changer. But let's be honest, these big food lobbies have deep pockets. If the CM doesn't back him, he'll be transferred within weeks. Hope Fadnavis ji listens to Rawal ji.
Paresh Rawal is a respected voice, but I have a question — why does an actor need to plead for an IAS officer? If the officer is doing his job right, the system should protect him automatically. This shows how much political pressure these food mafias create. Shame on the system that lets honest officers live in fear. 😠
The school junk food ban is a masterstroke! As a parent, I've seen how easily kids get addicted to chips and colas. This officer is thinking about the future generation. But implementation will be tough — those small shop owners near schools will resist. Fadnavis ji should give him full authority.
Respect for Mundhe sir! 195 raids in 5 days — that's the kind of energy we need in our bureaucracy. But I'm skeptical. Politicians often use such officers for publicity and then quietly remove them when the heat rises. Let's see if Fadnavis really stands by him or if this is all drama.
The crackdown on synthetic milk and artificial cheese is long overdue. Too many people, especially in rural areas, are getting sick from fake dairy products. If this officer continues his work, he could save thousands of lives.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.