What began as a food safety complaint regarding a rat allegedly found in a dosa at a Mumbai hotel has escalated into a complex legal battle involving claims of extortion. Police in Borivali, Mumbai, have registered an FIR against two women in connection with an alleged Rs 25 lakh extortion and threat case against the hotel management.
The incident originated at the Radhakrishna Hotel in Borivali West. Customer Amit Trivedi initially alleged that he discovered a small rat in his Mysore Masala Dosa after consuming several bites, leading to severe discomfort. Following his complaint to the Borivali police, the matter was referred to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA subsequently took action against the hotel, resulting in the suspension of its operating license.
Extortion Allegations Emerge
The case took a significant turn on October 5, when an FIR was filed at Borivali Police Station. According to the hotelier's complaint, the customer allegedly demanded a "full and final settlement" of Rs 25 lakh to resolve the issue. It is reported that the hotelier initially paid Rs 1 lakh after the demand was negotiated down to Rs 7 lakh, but later approached the police due to persistent threats.
Two women, reportedly connected to Amit Trivedi, have been arrested in connection with the alleged extortion attempt. The police are now actively investigating the precise circumstances surrounding the demand, the settlement negotiations, and the roles of all individuals involved.
Dual Investigation Underway
Adding another layer of complexity, authorities are also probing the veracity of Trivedi's initial claim regarding the rat in his food. Investigators are examining whether the rat was genuinely present due to restaurant oversight or if it was allegedly placed there by the customer. PI Digvijay Ashok Patil has been assigned to lead the investigation.
This development transforms a straightforward food safety concern into a broader criminal investigation, highlighting the intricate challenges faced by businesses when dealing with customer complaints that can take unexpected turns.