Mumbai: A shocking incident in Mumbai’s Malad area has raised serious concerns over food safety after a fruit vendor was allegedly caught on camera applying rat poison to fruits intended for sale. The video, which quickly spread online, prompted immediate police intervention and led to the sealing of the vendor’s shop.
Officials from the Malad Police Station said the matter surfaced following a complaint by local resident Kunal Salunke. In his complaint, Salunke alleged that two fruit sellers operating in the market were applying rat poison to their produce, posing a significant risk to public health.
Police responded swiftly by registering a case and detaining both accused for questioning.
In the widely circulated video, one of the vendors is seen holding a tube of Ratol ointment while handling bananas and allegedly saying, “Kharaab kele hain” (These bananas are spoiled). People present at the scene can be heard confronting him. One person is heard asking, “Bachche log khaate hain yeh aur tu yeh lagaa raha hai. Yeh kyun kar rahe ho?” (Children eat these and you are applying this on them. Why are you doing this?)
Another individual in the video points toward a pomegranate and claims that the substance had been applied there as well. The footage sparked widespread outrage, with many viewers expressing concern over the safety of fruits sold in local markets.
During preliminary questioning, the accused reportedly told police that they used rat poison to protect the fruits from rodents. However, authorities described the act as extremely dangerous and unlawful, warning that such actions could lead to severe health consequences, including poisoning and organ damage.
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The accused have been identified as Manoj Kumar Kesarwani and Bipin Kesarwani. Police have registered a case against them under Sections 125, 274, 275, and 286 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Police have also urged citizens to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities that could pose a threat to public health and safety.
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