Ferozepur’s ‘Singham’ Food Officer Suspended Again, Triggers Massive Public Outcry
Ferozepur: The administrative corridors of Punjab are currently witnessing a rare groundswell of public support for an official who has spent nearly two decades in the crosshairs of his own department. Abhinav Kumar, a 42-year-old Food Safety Officer (FSO), finds himself at the center of a brewing political storm following his latest suspension on October 1.
The suspension, ordered by IAS officer Kanwal Preet Brar, has sparked outrage in Ferozepur, where hundreds of residents, farmers’ groups, and employee unions have taken to the streets. The agitation has seen effigies of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the issuing officer being burnt, as protesters claim that Kumar is being penalized for his relentless crackdown on food adulterators.
A Career Defined by Conflict
Born in 1984 to a humble household in Ferozepur, Kumar began his journey in the state’s health department in 2009. Over the course of his 17-year career, he has garnered a reputation for being uncompromising—a trait that has resulted in 26 penal actions, including frequent transfers and suspensions.
“I have never abandoned my honesty during my nearly 18 years of service, which is perhaps why I have been subjected to action every time,” Kumar told news outlets. His track record is particularly contentious under the current administration, having faced disciplinary action six times in the last four and a half years alone. During this period, he has been shunted between 10 districts, including Moga, Ropar, Hoshiarpur, and Kapurthala, often finding himself transferred just nine months into a posting.
The ‘Singham’ of Food Safety
Kumar’s frequent run-ins with authority stem from his aggressive approach toward businesses involved in food contamination. From milk dairies and local restaurants to roadside eateries, his inspections have been thorough and uncompromising. His refusal to buckle under political pressure or local influence has earned him the nickname “Singham”—a reference to the iconic, upright police officer archetype in Indian cinema.
Supporters argue that his most recent suspension, which came immediately after a high-profile operation against adulterators, was a retaliatory move meant to silence a proactive civil servant. Kumar alleges that he was provided no valid explanation for the order, reinforcing his belief that he is being targeted for failing to “listen to leaders.”
Roots of an Upright Officer
Despite the turbulence of his career, Kumar’s background remains rooted in academic excellence. After attending local schools in Ferozepur Cantonment, he pursued a B.Sc. in Non-Medical at Ram Sukh Das College. His educational path continued in Faridkot and Chandigarh, eventually culminating in an M.Sc. in Physics from Panjab University.
For the residents of Ferozepur, Kumar is more than just a bureaucrat; he is seen as a rare official who prioritizes public health over the convenience of local power brokers. As the protests intensify, the state government faces growing pressure to explain the pattern of disciplinary actions against an officer who many view as a guardian of consumer safety. As of now, Kumar has been transferred to Tarn Taran, but the movement demanding his reinstatement continues to gather momentum.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
