Nabarangpur, May 26: A surprise inspection drive was launched at hotels and eateries in Raighar after stale samosas and vadas were allegedly served to District Collector Dr. Maheswar Swain during a public grievance hearing camp on Monday.

Sources said breakfast for officials attending the camp at Raighar block had been arranged from nearby hotels by the local administration. However, after tasting the snacks, the Collector reportedly found them stale and immediately ordered a quality check of food items being prepared in local eateries.

Acting on his direction, Food Safety Officer Arun Kumar Maharana, along with Raighar Tahsildar Manmohan Sahu, conducted raids at several hotels and snack shops in the area. Food samples from three establishments were collected and sent for laboratory examination. Two hotels were fined Rs 5,000 each for unhygienic conditions.

During the inspection, Manish Hotel was found operating without a food licence and in an unsanitary environment. Officials directed the hotel owner to keep the establishment closed until the necessary licence is obtained.

Residents alleged that stale and substandard food is frequently sold in different parts of the district and complaints often fail to draw action from authorities. The administration’s swift crackdown following the incident has drawn appreciation from locals.