FSO suspended after anti-adulteration action; farmers seek reinstatement, warn of 72-hour ultimatum
Ferozepur, October 4, 2026: Various farmers’ organisations have demanded the withdrawal of the suspension order against Food Safety Officer (FSO) Abhinav Kumar Khosla and warned the Punjab government of a 72-hour ultimatum, failing which they said they would intensify their agitation.
The issue pertains to an investigation into nearly 21,000 litres of milk allegedly found during a checking operation at a milk chilling centre in Mallanwala. According to the report, samples were collected after the milk was suspected to contain powder. The samples were reportedly found below the prescribed standards.
Khosa stated that he had visited Ferozepur on June 24 after being directed to conduct the inspection and that he had not received his salary for nearly three months following the action against him. He also claimed that despite repeatedly approaching senior officials, he was eventually advised to seek legal assistance from the department.
The Food and Drug Commissioner, Punjab, had reportedly summoned Khosa to Chandigarh for clarification in connection with the case. He did not appear at the scheduled time, citing prior intimation that he would be unable to attend, and requested another date.
Farmers’ five organisations – including BKU Qadian, BKU Punjab, KKU - held a meeting in Ferozepur and demanded immediate cancellation of the suspension order. They submitted a 72-hour ultimatum to the Punjab government and announced that a further course of action would be decided by Gurnam Sidhuand Adv Rohit Arora, if their demand was not accepted
They alleged that Khosa had been transferred around 25 times during his 17 years of service and had worked in several districts, including Ferozepur, Faridkot, Fazilka, Muktsar, Moga, Barnala, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur.