Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has been making headlines for his action against those who violated food safety guidelines. He became a national hero due to his crackdown against big food outlets. The Maharashtra government also backed him in the drive against violators. But in Punjab, the story is reversed. A food-safety official has been punished for a long time for taking strict actions. Abhinav Kumar, Punjab's food safety officer, faced penal action 26 times in a 17-year-long career.
Kumar, 42, a resident of Ferozepur, who joined the health department in 2009, was once again suspended, prompting locals to stage protests against the government move. People in large numbers came out in Kumar's support, NDTV reported. This was unusual. People stood for a government employee, criticising the government.
"ONE MESSAGE. Ferozpur has ROARED. For the first time in decades, Punjabis have come out in such numbers to stand with a government employee. Ferozpur has spoken: 'Abhinav Kumar Khosla has earned the trust of the people'. His suspension has exposed what people see as AAP’s double standards on “honesty.” The anger is spreading village by village. AAP’s “Kattar Imaandar” narrative is taking a beating. Pack your bags—the people of Firozpur are watching," a social media user Gavy Sidhu (@gavysidhu7) wrote on X.
Kumar's suspension in Ferozepur drew a sharp reaction from the farmer organisations and employee unions. They staged protest against the AAP government and burnt the effigies of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. People were also criticising IAS officer Kanwal Preet Brar for ordering the suspension. They claimed that he was being punished because he carried out crackdown againt adulterators in Ferozepur.
Who Is Abhinav Kumar?
Born on January 12, 1984, Kumar studied at St. Andrew's School in Ferozepur. He completed his higher studies in Faridkot. His father was also a government employee, while his mother was a housewife. Kumar hails from a humble family, and his first posting was in Ludhiana in 2009. People say he is an honest official; that is why he remains a target for a section of his seniors. He has been transferred across 10 districts of Punjab in 17 years. Speaking to media persons, Kumar said he abides by honesty, which is perhaps why he has been targeted.
What Caused His Suspension
The fresh suspension, which occurred in early in October, came after his crackdowns against adulterers. In recent times, his actions have targeted food outlets, milk dairies, sweet shops, restaurants, and other food businesses, drawing people's praise. They started fondly calling him "Singham" food officer. His popularity made some officials uncomfortable.
Kumar said under the AAP government, he was transferred from one district to another several times. I faced transfers every nine months in the current regime, he said. The official pointed out that he did not allow leaders to pressurise him and subsequently he faces action.