Rohit Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 29 October 2024
A disturbing video of a rat munching on a cake inside a bakery display case went viral across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 28th October, raising widespread public outrage and concerns over food safety in the region.
The video, allegedly filmed inside the popular Sree Karpagam Hotel located at Bhatu Basthi in Sri Vijaya Puram, showed a rat feasting on a cake in full view of customers. The footage, which prominently displayed the bakery’s signboard, spread quickly across social media and instant messaging platforms, sparking disgust and a flurry of complaints from Islanders about hygiene standards.
Authorities reportedly took swift action after the video gained traction, leading to the closure of the bakery within hours. While there has been no official statement or press release confirming the specifics of the enforcement action, photos shared by social media users showed the establishment shuttered, indicating prompt intervention in response to public outcry.
Islanders on social media voiced their concerns about food safety standards and lauded the authorities for their quick response. However, some questioned why issues like this go unchecked until they surface in public, calling for regular inspections to prevent such incidents.
With a strong foothold in the Islands’ culinary scene, Sree Karpagam Hotel has long been a trusted name among locals. The sight of a rat in its showcase, however, has shaken consumer confidence, as residents emphasised the need for strict adherence to food safety practices to prevent similar lapses in the future.