A fruit vendor in the Malad area of Mumbai was arrested after a video clip surfaced showing him using rat poison on fruits. The video, recorded on camera and posted on social media, led to swift action by the authorities.
During the course of the inquiry, the police sealed the fruit vendor's shop.
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Complaint sparks police response
According to officials at the Malad Police Station, the incident came to light when a complaint was filed by local resident Kunal Salunke. He claimed that two fruit vendors in the market were using rat poison on their fruits, which was a threat to public health, stated the India Today report.
Based on the complaint, the police registered a case and detained the two accused for questioning.
The accused have been named as Manoj Kumar Kesarwani and Bipin Kesarwani.
Viral video raises food safety concerns
In the widely shared video, the vendor is seen holding a tube of Ratol ointment while handling bananas and allegedly saying, "Kharaab kele hain" (These bananas are spoiled). Bystanders can be heard confronting him in the clip.
One man asks, "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?)
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Another person points to a pomegranate and claims that the substance was applied there as well. The footage quickly drew strong reactions online, with viewers raising concerns about hygiene and safety in local markets.
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
Police cite serious health risks
During preliminary questioning, the accused reportedly told police they used rat poison to prevent rodents from damaging the fruits. Authorities, however, described the act as dangerous and unlawful due to the potential risk of poisoning and organ damage.
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A case has been registered under Sections 125, 274, 275, and 286 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and further investigation is underway.
Police have urged citizens to report suspicious activities immediately to help prevent risks to public health and safety.
