Full Breakdown
Rat-in-Dosa Video Leads to FDA Suspension and Extortion Probe in Borivali
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident and Immediate Regulatory Action
On September 24, diners at the Radhakrishna Hotel-Buffet-Fast Food outlet in Borivali West reported that a small dead rat was discovered inside a Mysore masala dosa. The incident was recorded and the video began circulating on social media, going viral by September 26. Following the public outcry, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the hotel’s licence on September 28, forcing the establishment to shut down.
Background & Context
The FDA’s intervention occurred amid a broader statewide crackdown on eateries and dairies during the festive season, aimed at enforcing food-safety standards. Prior to the incident, the hotel operated without known violations.
Timeline of Key Developments
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 24 | Rat allegedly found in dosa; video recorded. |
| September 26 | Video spreads on social media. |
| September 28 | FDA suspends Radhakrishna Hotel’s licence. |
| September 29 | Hotel owner files a complaint with Borivali police. |
| September 30 | Owner pays Rs 1 lakh as an advance after the demanded amount is negotiated down to Rs 7 lakh. |
| October 1 – 5 | Accused women repeatedly demand the remaining Rs 6 lakh via WhatsApp. |
| October 5 | Police arrange a meeting at the hotel, catch the accused accepting the cash, and register an FIR under Sections 308(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). |
Data & Statistics
- Initial monetary demand: Rs 25 lakh (as alleged by the hotelier).
- Negotiated settlement amount: Rs 7 lakh (reported by multiple outlets).
- Advance payment made by the hotelier: Rs 1 lakh (cash, on September 30).
- Remaining amount sought: Rs 6 lakh, which police intercepted on October 5.
Official Statements & Responses
- The FIR filed on October 5 names the accused as Mansi Amit Acharya and Kinjal Subhash Bhatia.
- Pushpalata Mandle, senior police inspector at Borivali police station, stated: “Further investigation into the matter is underway,” — Pushpalata Mandle, senior police inspector at Borivali police station
The police have indicated that the investigation will examine both the original food-safety complaint and the alleged extortion scheme, including the viral video, phone and WhatsApp communications, and cash transactions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the trajectory of the monetary demand. While most reports cite a reduction from Rs 25 lakh directly to Rs 7 lakh, some outlets (Moneycontrol, News18) mention intermediate reductions to Rs 20 lakh and Rs 15 lakh before the final settlement. The FIR, however, records only the Rs 25 lakh initial claim and the Rs 7 lakh negotiated amount.
Additionally, the veracity of the original rat claim remains under investigation. Police have not yet concluded whether the rodent was present due to a kitchen oversight or was introduced deliberately.
What’s Next
The case remains open. Investigators, led by PI Digvijay Ashok Patil, will continue to scrutinize the video evidence, the chain of communications, and the circumstances surrounding the FDA’s licence suspension. No further court dates or hearings have been announced.