Sources say that in the normal course, investigations by the anti-corruption bureau could take at least six months, though the inspectors concerned have already been suspended. The charges, officials added, are in the process of being investigated and legal action is likely to be initiated in due course.Significantly, the state commissioner Food & Drug Administration Anil Kumar Lakhina has in a letter to industry urged companies to bring to his notice such "misdeeds and harassment" by any FDA officer so that action can be initiated.

"We are highly embarrassed and do not support such misdeeds of the officers whotarnish the fair image of the FDA," Lakhina says in his letter. Lakhina was, however, unavailable for comment as he was out of the country.Industry sources say that this is possibly the first time the "clean up" drive is being attempted so openly and with direct participation of the top brass. "There was always a lurking fear that if you report misdeeds, then you would have to face the repercussions at the FDA. But things appear to be changing and industry welcomes the move," an official from an Indian pharmaceutical company said.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Chemists & Druggists Association (MSCDA) has opposed the FDA's move to cancel "Special Authority" letters, issued to around 800 chemists in rural areas, allowing them to set up retail medical stores.

In a press release, MSCDA general secretary JS Shinde said that the Food and Drug Administration has withdrawn the special authority letters, effective July 1999, citing lack of provisions in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940. He also said that the FDAhad rendered 800 chemists unemployed, without even consulting the association.