Two Men Booked in Palghar for Posing as FDA Officials to Extort Liquor Shop Owner

The Palghar police have registered a case against two men for allegedly posing as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials and attempting to extort and intimidate a local country liquor shop operator in Palghar under the guise of conducting an official licence inspection.

According to police sources, the incident unfolded when the two individuals entered the country liquor establishment claiming they were there to inspect official permits. During the interaction, the duo took two cans of an energy drink from the counter and attempted to leave the premises without paying for them.

The situation escalated when the shop operator and the owner of an adjacent hotel grew suspicious of the duo's conduct and asked to inspect their official government identification cards. In response to being questioned, the accused became aggressive, physically manhandling and issuing threats to both business owners.

However, as pressure from locals mounted at the scene, the impostors eventually confessed that they were not affiliated with the FDA in any capacity.

The police have identified the accused as Kunal Bhoir and Udayesh Bhoir, both residents of Alonde village located in Vikramgad taluka.

Following a formal complaint lodged by the victim, the Palghar Police booked both individuals. Authorities confirmed that a case has been registered and further investigation into the matter is currently underway.