Expired ‘Frooti’ Served at Governor’s Event Sparks Uproar in Ambassa, Several Students Fall Ill, Shop Sealed by Administration

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 8, 2025

A major controversy erupted in Ambassa, Dhalai district of Tripura, after expired ‘Frooti’ cold drinks were allegedly distributed among students during a government event attended by the Governor yesterday. The incident took place at Ambassa Town Hall on Friday during the district-level celebration marking the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, where the Governor and several senior administrative officials were present.

Hundreds of students from various schools across the district participated in this historic event. During the function, packets of ‘Frooti’ were distributed among the students. However, soon after consuming the drink, several students reportedly complained of uneasiness and sickness.

Teachers and staff immediately checked the packets and were shocked to discover that the drinks had already expired.

According to administrative sources, the expired beverages were supplied by a local shop named M/S Radheshyam Bhandar, owned by Rajesh Saha, located on the Ambassa–Gandacherra Road.

Following the complaints, officials from the district administration, including the Deputy Collector (DCM), Deputy CEO (Ambassa Municipal Council), and police personnel, swiftly intervened and sealed the shop.

An administrative officer informed the media, “A detailed investigation has already been initiated. Strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for supplying expired drinks at a government function.”

The incident has triggered widespread outrage in Ambassa. Locals have expressed serious concern, questioning how expired products could reach a government event in the presence of top officials, and suggesting that similar irregularities might be rampant in the open market as well.

Citizens have demanded that the administration launch a special inspection drive across all food and beverage outlets in Ambassa, seize expired or unauthorized products, and take strong punitive action against offenders to ensure public safety.

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