National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo has called for a thorough investigation by the Delhi Police into the leakage of sensitive official documents from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This includes looking into how a confidential internal inquiry report ended up in the hands of an individual against whom allegations of misconduct had been confirmed. Kanoongo highlighted these concerns in a post on the alleged data breach at FSSAI, mentioning that the individual in question had also lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police.
The Delhi Police initiated action by registering an FIR on March 12, 2026, at the I.P. Estate police station following a complaint from an authorized FSSAI representative. The case revolves around unauthorized access, leakage, and circulation of official documents, some of which are believed to have been tampered with or misrepresented on social media. The FIR has been filed under Section 316 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal breach of trust and Section 72 of the Information Technology Act.
Efforts are underway to identify the culprits responsible for the breach and subsequent dissemination of the documents. The police have issued notices to social media platforms requesting account details and are actively working to preserve digital evidence. The incident has raised concerns about potential internal collusion and deliberate attempts to tarnish the reputation of FSSAI, the apex food regulator in India, with reports hinting at a coordinated campaign involving social media influencers and others to sow distrust in the organization.
Kanoongo’s statements reflect the increasing scrutiny surrounding the incident, emphasizing the importance of not only investigating the leak itself but also addressing the lapses that allowed confidential reports to reach individuals facing allegations. The NHRC member’s remarks indicate the organization’s close monitoring of the investigation to ensure transparency and accountability in handling this sensitive issue. The alleged breach at FSSAI has sparked broader discussions on the security of official documents within government regulatory bodies and the necessity for stricter safeguards against internal leaks and external misuse.
