Aiyo! Patron gets rat in sambhar

Mumbai: A dead rat was allegedly found floating in the sambhar served to a woman in an Irla-based restaurant on Thursday. The complainant woman, identified as Falguni Somaiya, shot a video of the incident and it went viral soon after.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has registered a complaint and is investigating the matter, while the restaurant owner said this is in a bid to defame the restaurant.

FDA commissioner Pallavi Darade told The Asian Age, “We have received a complaint against the restaurant and have taken the samples for checking. Appropriate action will be taken against the restaurant if they are found at fault.”

Rubbishing the claims made by the complainant, Prakash Shetty, owner of Pappilon restaurant, said the woman is a regular customer and is trying defame them. He said, “The restaurant has been running since 30 years and this is the first time such a complaint has surfaced. We have been framed in this incident and no such thing has happened. We have registered a Non Cognisable (NC) against the woman.”

However, Ms Somaiya said, “I own a shop in Vile Parle, and regularly order food from the Pappilon restaurant. But I was shocked to find a rat in the sambhar. I have complained to the FDA and expect justice.”

Mr Shetty added they have been getting calls from regular customers asking about the incident, and have a strong support.

He alleged said that Ms Somaiya had also tried to defame other restaurants in the area.

He said, “This is just a cheap stunt. If she was telling the truth, she should have involved the police, but she was only looking for media coverage and fame.”