Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 26: A shocking video circulating on social media has led to the arrest of two fruit vendors in Malad West, after they were allegedly caught applying a rat poison product to fruits at their roadside stall.
The video, which quickly went viral, showed one of the vendors handling bananas while smearing a cream-like substance on them, sparking widespread concern among local residents. Following complaints, Malad police visited the stall and recovered a product called Ratol, a commercially available rat poison containing highly toxic chemicals including yellow phosphorus. The stall has since been sealed.
Social media users expressed outrage, with one posting on X: “Irresponsibility of a non-local fruit seller in Malad reaches its peak! By applying cream-like Ratol on fruits, directly playing with the lives of Mumbaikars. Using poisonous substances like Ratol can cause vomiting, stomach pain, poisoning, liver damage, and even risk to life. Action must be taken against this seller.”
The accused, identified as Manoj Sangamlal Kesarwani (42) and Rahul Sadanlal Kesarwani (25), both residents of Rajanpada in Malad West, were arrested and produced before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Borivali on Wednesday.
During questioning, the vendors claimed they used the substance to keep rats away from their fruit stock at night, and not to harm customers. However, health experts warned that applying such a toxic compound to edible items is extremely dangerous and could lead to severe vomiting, abdominal pain, organ damage, or even death if ingested.
Residents have now called for more frequent inspections by food safety authorities, including the FDA and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the investigation is ongoing.