FSSAI documents leak triggers police investigation in Delhi
Authorities seek account details from social media platforms, preserve digital evidence
Delhi Police has registered a case following an alleged data breach and circulation of sensitive documents linked to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), triggering an investigation into potential unauthorised access and online dissemination of official records.
According to police, a complaint dated March 12, 2026, was filed at I.P. Estate police station by an authorised representative of the FSSAI.
The complaint flagged the circulation of certain posts and purported official documents on social media platforms, raising concerns over their authenticity and source.
The complainant alleged that certain influencers and unidentified individuals, possibly acting in connivance with insiders, were involved in spreading the material with the intent to create distrust and damage the organisation’s reputation.
It was further claimed that some of the documents may have been accessed without authorisation and potentially tampered with.
Based on the complaint, Delhi Police registered FIR under Section 316 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 72 of the Information Technology Act.
Officials said the investigation is currently under way, with a focus on identifying those responsible for the alleged leak and verifying the authenticity of the circulated documents.
Police have also initiated steps to preserve digital evidence and issued notices to social media platforms, including X, seeking details of the accounts involved.
According to sources, authorities have sought extensive information such as mobile numbers used for account registration, IP logs, accessed ports, recovery email IDs, and any relevant data that could help trace the individuals behind the accounts.
Following these developments, several social media handlers under scrutiny have publicly responded, alleging that the action amounts to a ‘witch hunt’. They claim the move is aimed at targeting voices critical of the system, raising concerns about freedom of expression on digital platforms.
The case has since sparked a broader online debate, with users questioning whether the scope of data sought by authorities is justified for investigative purposes or constitutes an overreach.
Police said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing probe.
