A restaurant worker has been arrested in Ghaziabad after a video allegedly showing him spitting on rotis while baking them went viral on social media, triggering widespread public outrage and renewed concerns over food safety.
Viral video sparks outrage
The incident reportedly took place at a shop named Chicken Point in Ghaziabad. In the video, which was recorded by a person present at the spot, a worker is seen preparing rotis in a tandoor after allegedly spitting on them. The clip spread rapidly across social media platforms, drawing strong reactions from the public.
Following the circulation of the video, police swung into action. According to Suryabali Maurya, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Kavinagar, the footage came to the notice of the Vardhmanpuram outpost under the Madhuban Bapudham police station on January 8.
Police confirm prima facie offence
“After examining the video, the allegations appeared to be prima facie true,” ACP Maurya said. Based on the findings, police immediately arrested the accused worker, identified as Javed Ansari.
A case has been registered against him under relevant sections of law, and further legal proceedings are underway. Officials stated that the matter is being taken seriously, especially in view of public health and hygiene concerns.
Repeated incidents raise food safety concerns
This is not the first such incident reported from Ghaziabad. The city has witnessed similar cases in the past, raising alarms about food safety practices at small eateries.
Earlier, a shopkeeper was allegedly assaulted by locals after being accused of serving fruit juices mixed with urine. In that case, police arrested the owner of Khushi Juice Corner and detained his minor assistant.
Call for strict action
Local residents and consumer groups have demanded strict monitoring of eateries and tougher enforcement of food safety norms. Many have urged the administration to conduct regular inspections and impose severe penalties on those found violating hygiene standards.
Police officials have appealed to the public to report any suspicious or unhygienic food practices to authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands.