Police seize ‘Ratol’ bottle; accused claim chemical was used only to keep rats away at night, but residents fear risk to public health amid increased fruit demand in Ramadan
MUMBAI – Two fruit vendors have been arrested in the bustling North Mumbai suburb of Malad West after a video went viral showing a man allegedly applying rat poison to fruits meant for sale during the holy month of Ramadan.
The incident, which occurred in Rajanpada, Malad West, caused alarm among residents and fasting Muslims, as fruit consumption rises sharply during Ramadan.
According to the Mumbai Police, the accused have been identified as Manoj Sangamlal Kesarwani (42) and Rahul Sadanlal Kesarwani (25), both residents of the Rajanpada area. They were arrested on Wednesday (February 25) and later produced before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Borivali.
The matter came to light after a video circulated on social media showing a fruit vendor allegedly applying a chemical substance called ‘Ratol’, commonly used as rat poison, on fruits.
The video was reportedly shared in a WhatsApp group on Tuesday evening. Local businessman and political worker Kunal Shivaji Salunkhe (39) lodged a formal complaint after viewing the clip.
Salunkhe said, “When I saw the video, I was shocked. I immediately went to the spot with others. We reached Akshardham Society on Panhala Ghosh Marg in Rajanpada and saw the vendors there.”
He alleged that the vendors were applying the chemical to fruits kept for sale.
During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to using the substance but claimed it was only to prevent rats from damaging the fruits at night.
“They told us that the chemical was applied outside the baskets on spoiled fruits so that rats would not come near,” a police officer said.
However, police officials stated that the substance recovered from the spot was ‘Ratol’, a poisonous chemical meant to kill rodents. A bottle of the chemical was seized from the scene.
An officer said, “Using such poison on or near food items poses a serious risk to public health. We have taken the matter seriously.”
Based on the complaint, Malad police registered an FIR under Sections 125, 274, 275 and 286 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relate to acts endangering life and adulteration of food.
A Malad police official said, “After arrest, both accused were produced before the Borivali court along with the remand report. The court has sent them to judicial custody. Further investigation is ongoing.”
The timing of the incident has raised concern, as Ramadan is a period when fruit consumption increases significantly among Muslims observing the fast.
A local said, “During Ramadan, families buy fruits daily for iftar. Seeing such a video creates fear in the community.”
Another shopkeeper in the area said, “If this is true, it is very dangerous. Food safety cannot be compromised.”
Police have appealed to the public not to spread unverified information and to rely on official updates as the investigation continues.
Authorities are also examining whether any fruits treated with the chemical were sold to customers and if further action under food safety laws is required.
The case has brought renewed focus on food safety and the need for strict monitoring of items sold in crowded market areas, especially during festive seasons when demand is high.
