The Ghazipur district administration took decisive action on Friday by sealing a popular eatery following a horrific food safety discovery. The incident involved a customer who found a dead rat in a plate of curd served at Samrat Dhaba, located on the Ghazipur-Varanasi highway.
A viral video captured the disturbing moment, showing the rodent inside the bowl, which quickly sparked massive public outrage on social media. Taking immediate cognisance of the footage, Ramesh Chandra Pandey, Joint Director of the Food Department and Deputy Commissioner, took action, as reported by India Today.
Officials found severe hygiene lapses beyond the rat incident, including an open kitchen and unwashed produce. The establishment has been shut down indefinitely pending a full investigation into its sanitary protocols.
Dead Rat in Food
The dhaba, identified as Samrat Dhaba, has long served as a well-known stop for travellers and locals commuting between Ghazipur and Varanasi. The recent controversy began when a group of diners noticed something unusual in their side dish.
Upon closer inspection, they realised a dead rat was submerged in the curd. The customers immediately filmed the evidence and confronted the staff, who appeared visibly shaken in the footage.
This video acted as a catalyst for state intervention, as it highlighted a total breakdown of basic safety standards. For many, the incident is a terrifying reminder of the risks associated with roadside dining where oversight might be less frequent than in urban centres.
Ghazipur-Varanasi Highway Dhaba Raid
Following the DM’s orders, a team of food safety officers arrived at the premises to conduct a thorough audit of the kitchen and storage areas. The findings were reportedly “stomach-churning,” as officials observed that the kitchen was open to the elements, making it an easy target for pests.
Investigators noted that vegetables were not being washed properly and the general environment was far from the mandated legal standards for commercial kitchens. Joint Director of Food Safety, Ramesh Chandra Pandey, confirmed that samples of the curd and other food items have been sent to a laboratory for testing.
He stated that the restaurant’s license would remain suspended until a satisfactory report is received and all safety gaps are closed.
Impact on Public Trust
The restaurant operator, when questioned by authorities and the media, expressed regret but could not provide a valid explanation for how the rodent entered the food supply chain.
Beyond the immediate sealing of the building, the management could face heavy fines and permanent cancellation of their operating permit if the lab results confirm toxic contamination.
This case has prompted the Ghazipur administration to announce a wider inspection drive for all major eateries along the highway. Public reaction has been swift, with many calling for stricter jail terms for owners who jeopardise lives. Such incidents tarnish the reputation of the local hospitality industry and create a climate of fear among regular highway commuters.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that food safety is a non-negotiable human right and a core component of public dignity. It is unacceptable that a popular establishment could operate with such blatant disregard for the health of its patrons.
While we appreciate the administration’s rapid response, it is disheartening that it took a viral video to expose these life-threatening conditions.
We advocate for a more proactive inspection regime where safety checks are the norm rather than a reaction to public scandal. Every meal served in public should be a promise of health, not a gamble with disease.
