In a case that has sparked both public outrage and a renewed conversation about food hygiene, police in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested a man after a video showing him spitting on rotis during a wedding event went viral on social media. The incident, which took place under the jurisdiction of the Pahasu Police Station, has not only led to swift law enforcement action but also raised broader concerns about public health and food safety at large gatherings.
The video, which began circulating widely online in early November, reportedly captures the accused, identified as Danish, a resident of the Pathan Tola locality, in the act of spitting on rotis while preparing them for guests at a wedding. According to PTI, the police confirmed the incident on November 4, 2025, after verifying the authenticity of the footage that had triggered widespread anger and disgust among viewers across the country.
Senior Police Officer Dr. Tejveer Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural), addressed the media in a video statement, confirming, "The accused has been arrested for spitting on rotis at a wedding ceremony." He further elaborated that Danish was formally charged at the Pahasu Police Station on November 2 and has since been remanded into custody. The arrest, as reported by News18, followed a swift investigation in response to the public uproar on social media platforms.
Authorities emphasized that the video’s authenticity was carefully verified before any action was taken. Police officials stated that Danish has been booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, and a formal investigation into the incident is currently underway. The seriousness with which the police have approached the matter reflects both the gravity of the offense and the heightened sensitivity around food safety in public and private events.
This disturbing episode is not an isolated one. According to News18, similar incidents have occurred in Uttar Pradesh earlier this year. In August, a man was arrested in Baghpat after a video surfaced showing him spitting on rotis at a roadside eatery. Just a few months prior, in May, another individual in Meerut was detained for the same act while preparing food for customers. Each of these cases has followed a remarkably similar pattern: a video goes viral, public outcry ensues, and law enforcement steps in to investigate and make arrests.
Police officials have been unequivocal in their condemnation of such acts, stressing the dual violation of both hygiene standards and public trust. "Such acts not only violate hygiene standards but also pose serious health risks," authorities stated, according to News18. The potential for the spread of communicable diseases through such behavior is a major concern, particularly in environments where large numbers of people are being served food. The police have promised strict action to deter similar incidents in the future, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to breaches of food safety.
For many in Uttar Pradesh and beyond, these incidents have reignited worries about the standards of food preparation at public events and eateries. With weddings and large gatherings being a staple of Indian social life, the assurance of safe and hygienic food is paramount. The fact that these violations have been captured and exposed through social media has both empowered the public to demand accountability and pressured authorities to respond swiftly.
Public reaction to the Bulandshahr incident has been intense, with many social media users expressing shock and disgust at the flagrant disregard for basic hygiene. The viral nature of the video likely played a key role in the rapid police response. In today’s digital age, the ability for such acts to be recorded and broadcast to a wide audience has changed the landscape of accountability, especially for offenses that might otherwise have gone unnoticed or unpunished.
But why do such incidents continue to occur, despite the obvious risks and the threat of legal consequences? Food safety experts point to a lack of training and awareness among some food handlers, particularly those working at informal or temporary setups like wedding caterers and roadside stalls. While many professional caterers adhere to strict hygiene protocols, gaps remain, especially in less regulated environments. The repeated occurrence of spitting incidents within a single year—across different districts—suggests that more systemic interventions may be necessary to prevent such behavior.
In response, police and local authorities have called for greater vigilance and education among both food preparers and event organizers. Some have suggested mandatory hygiene training and certification for anyone involved in mass food preparation, while others advocate for routine inspections and harsher penalties for violations. Community leaders have also urged the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious or unhygienic practices they witness.
It’s worth noting that the legal framework for addressing such offenses is robust. Under the Indian Penal Code, acts that endanger public health or safety can attract serious charges, including imprisonment and fines. The police in Bulandshahr have made it clear that they intend to pursue the case against Danish to its full extent, both as a deterrent and as a message that such violations will not be tolerated.
For those who attended the wedding in Bulandshahr, the incident has cast a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion. While there have been no confirmed reports of illness among guests, the psychological impact of knowing that food was deliberately contaminated is significant. Organizers and caterers are now facing increased scrutiny, with many pledging to tighten their own oversight and ensure that only trusted, well-trained staff are allowed to handle food at future events.
Looking at the broader picture, these recent cases in Bulandshahr, Baghpat, and Meerut are a wake-up call for the food service industry and the authorities alike. They highlight the need for a cultural shift towards greater accountability and transparency in food preparation, especially in settings where oversight has traditionally been lax. The public, empowered by technology and social media, is now more vigilant than ever, and the expectation for safe, hygienic food is non-negotiable.
As the investigation into Danish’s actions continues, the message from law enforcement is clear: violations of food safety will be met with the full force of the law. The hope, shared by many, is that this case will serve as a deterrent, ensuring that such incidents become a thing of the past and that public trust in the safety of communal meals is restored.
