Mahabaleshwar, Correspondent
Hotel and restaurant operators in Mahabaleshwar are increasingly facing alleged harassment, demands for money and threats of reputational damage through social media, according to complaints raised by the local hotel association. The association has urged the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to verify the authenticity of complaints and examine the supporting evidence before initiating any action against establishments.
Mahabaleshwar, one of Maharashtra’s prominent tourist destinations, is home to hundreds of hotels, restaurants and lodging establishments. These businesses cater to lakhs of tourists and make a significant contribution to the local economy and employment. However, the association alleges that certain individuals are filing misleading complaints against hotel operators for personal gain.
While emphasising that food safety is of paramount importance and all hotels and restaurants must comply with FSSAI regulations, the association stressed that inspections and enforcement action should be based on genuine complaints, verified evidence and an impartial assessment. It also called for giving the establishments concerned a fair opportunity to present their side before any decision is taken.
The association further claimed that complaints had emerged about individuals visiting hotels, obtaining bills or other details, and subsequently demanding money. According to these allegations, those who refuse to pay are threatened with negative publicity and damage to their reputation.
The association has called for a thorough investigation into these allegations and legal action against anyone found guilty. It has also urged the authorities to ensure transparency in inspection procedures, verify the evidence supporting complaints and provide hotel operators with a reasonable opportunity to respond.
The association reiterated that complaints involving alleged extortion, intimidation and coercion must be investigated impartially. It maintained that establishments violating food safety regulations must face appropriate legal action, but businesses complying with the law should not be unfairly targeted through false, malicious or misleading complaints.
The association said that a fair, transparent and evidence-based enforcement mechanism would help protect public health while safeguarding the legitimate interests and reputations of law-abiding hospitality businesses in Mahabaleshwar.
