PANJIM: Congress party on Friday filed a police complaint against Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Director Jyoti Sardessai demanding her arrest for willful concealment in the formalin in fish issue thereby misleading the public stating that fish imported is safe for consumption. The party has also demanded that Sardessai be suspended from service.
Congress North Goa District Committee President Vijay Bhike filed the complaint against Sardessai before Agassaim police station, seeking action under Sections 272, 273, 336 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other provisions of the Food Safety Act.
Addressing media persons on Saturday, Bhike pointed out how Sardessai made a U-turn on the FDA report on formalin in fish within a few hours after the raid on wholesale fish market was conducted on July 12. “As per the test conducted on the spot, fish were found with formalin presence. However, later in the evening the director came out with a statement that formalin contents were found in preliminary tests and later as per the laboratory test formalin was found within permissible limit,” Bhike said in his complaint.
He said the director was unable to explain the change in test reports and also her claim that fish naturally has inherent formalin.
“it is obvious therefore that the reports were manipulated by the FDA Director and she made a willful misrepresentation to the people of Goa and willful concealment of the offence which was committed by the fish traders, which is punishable under sections 272, 273, 336 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and other provisions of the Food Safety Act,” he said.
He further demanded that the Director be arrested for misleading people with the information, which is deadly for their health.
Congress spokesperson Agnelo Fernandes said the government failure to take action against the director and the fish mafia, involved in supplying chemical injected fish to the people, will force the party to approach the High Court for necessary directions to the State government.
“Why has the government not filed any complaint against those involved in import of such fish? Why was the fish consignment not destroyed but just sent back?” he questioned.
