A disturbing food safety incident in Mumbai’s Malad area has triggered public outrage after two fruit vendors were allegedly caught applying rat poison to fruits meant for sale.
The episode surfaced after a video recorded by local residents in Rajanpada went viral on social media. In the clip, one of the vendors is seen holding a tube of Ratol poison while handling bananas. Bystanders are heard confronting him, questioning why poisonous substance was being applied to fruits consumed by children and families.
Following the viral footage, Malad Police acted swiftly. A local resident, Kunal Salunke, lodged a formal complaint around 9 pm, alleging that two fruit sellers were using rat poison on their produce, posing a serious public health risk. Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered and both vendors were detained.
The accused have been identified as Manoj Kumar Kesarwani and Bipin (Vipin) Kesarwani. During preliminary interrogation, they reportedly told police that the poison was being used to prevent rodents from damaging fruits in godowns and on carts. However, officials termed the act extremely hazardous and unlawful.
Police warned that applying rat poison to edible items could cause severe poisoning, organ failure and other life-threatening health complications.
A case has been registered under Sections 125, 274, 275 and 286 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The shop has been sealed and further investigation is underway to determine whether similar practices were carried out earlier.
(According to reports incident occurred 24 Feb 2026 Thursday night)
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