A shocking incident in Mumbai’s Malad area has raised serious food safety concerns after a fruit vendor was allegedly caught applying rat poison to fruits meant for sale. The episode, captured on video
and widely circulated on social media, prompted swift police action, with authorities sealing the shop and detaining the accused.
According to officials at Malad Police Station, the matter surfaced after a complaint was lodged by local resident Kunal Salunke. The complaint alleged that two fruit sellers in the market were using rat poison on their produce, posing a grave risk to consumers.
Acting on the complaint, police registered a case and detained both individuals for questioning.
In the viral video, one of the vendors is seen holding a tube of Ratol while handling bananas and allegedly saying, “Kharaab kele hain” (These bananas are spoiled). Bystanders can be heard confronting him, questioning why he was applying the substance to fruits consumed by children. Another person in the clip points to a pomegranate, alleging that the substance had been applied to it as well.
मालाडमध्ये परप्रांतीय फळ विक्रेताचा बेजबाबदारपणा शिखरावर! फळांवर Ratol सारखी क्रीम लावून थेट मुंबईकरांच्या जीवाशी खेळ. Ratol सारखे विषारी पदार्थ वापरल्याने उलटी, पोटदुखी, विषबाधा, लिव्हर नुकसान आणि जीवाला धोका निर्माण होऊ शकतो. या विक्रेत्यावर कार्यवाही झालीच पाहिजे.#MNS #mybmc pic.twitter.com/RFtulkwO4h
— शेख जब्बार (राजसाहेबांचा जब्बार) | SHAIKH JABBAR (@jabbarsmns) February 24, 2026
The footage triggered outrage online, with many expressing alarm over public health and food safety in local markets.
During preliminary questioning, the accused reportedly claimed that the rat poison was used to prevent rodents from damaging the fruits. However, police termed the act dangerous and illegal, noting that such substances can cause severe health complications, including poisoning and organ damage.
The arrested vendors have been identified as Manoj Kumar Kesarwani and Bipin Kesarwani. A case has been registered against them under Sections 125, 274, 275, and 286 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Further investigation is underway.
Police have urged residents to promptly report any suspicious activities that could endanger public health.
