'Police Can Probe Even Without Formal Complaint': Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis Assures Action On MLA Sanjay Gaikwad In Assault Case

Mumbai: Amid mounting outrage over Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad's assault on a canteen staffer at the MLA hostel near Akashvani, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that police do not require a formal complaint to begin an investigation. “Police can and will initiate an inquiry on their own,” he clarified on Friday.

CM Fadnavis made it clear that police intervention does not hinge on a complaint alone. His statement directly contradicts that of Minister of State for Home Affairs, who earlier implied that without a complaint, no action could be taken. Fadnavis said, “It is not necessary for someone to file a complaint; the police are empowered to investigate and will certainly do so.”

FDA Suspends Ajanta Caterers' License After MLA Sanjay Gaikwad Assaults Canteen Staff Over Stale Food

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) suspended the license of Ajanta Caterers, the service provider operating the canteen at the MLA hostel near Akashvani, following the widely reported incident involving Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. The action comes in the wake of Gaikwad assaulting a canteen staffer over allegations of stale and unhygienic food being served to legislators and visitors.

The FDA cited multiple violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and associated licensing norms as the reason behind the suspension. Following a surprise inspection at the canteen premises on Tuesday, officials ordered Ajanta Caterers to halt operations immediately.

FDA officials reached the site around 11 am and collected food samples including dal, paneer, schezwan chutney, and used cooking oil. The items have been sent for laboratory testing, and the results are expected within the next 14 days. Depending on the findings, further action may be taken.

The controversy erupted after a video went viral showing MLA Sanjay Gaikwad confronting and allegedly assaulting a staff member inside the canteen. In the footage, Gaikwad is seen physically attacking the worker and expressing outrage over the quality of food being served. According to him, several legislators had raised concerns over meals being stale and poorly prepared.