India, July 10 -- In a swift regulatory response to public outrage, the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has suspended the licence of Ajanta Caterers, which operates the canteen at the MLA hostel in Mumbai. The move follows a widely circulated video showing Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad slapping and punching a canteen staffer over allegations of being served stale food.

The FDA conducted a surprise inspection at the Akashwani MLA hostel on Wednesday and found the caterer in violation of multiple provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its related licensing regulations. In its order, the FDA directed the caterer to halt all food service operations at the site starting Thursday.

The incident sparked politi...