In a bizarre and disturbing incident that has sparked outrage on social media, a man in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, has been jailed for allegedly spitting on rotis while preparing them at a wedding. The incident, which came to light after a purported video went viral, has once again highlighted the growing concern around food hygiene and public accountability in the state.

The man, identified as Danish, is a resident of the Pathan Tola locality in Bulandshahr. According to police officials, the video showed him deliberately spitting on rotis while making them, an act that drew immediate condemnation from viewers online. Following the viral spread of the video, Danish was booked under relevant sections at the Pahasu Police Station on November 2, 2025, and has since been sent to jail, as confirmed by Tejveer Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural).

This is not the first incident of its kind in Uttar Pradesh. In February 2025, authorities in Meerut arrested a man for allegedly spitting on a roti he was preparing during a wedding ceremony, after a similar video surfaced online. In January of the same year, a 20-year-old eatery worker in Ghaziabad faced arrest for allegedly contaminating food while preparing it for customers. Even as recently as December 2024, a vegetable vendor in Bulandshahr was taken into custody for comparable misconduct. These repeated incidents underscore the seriousness with which authorities in the state are treating violations of food hygiene standards.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also been actively working on legislative measures to curb such behavior. In October 2024, the state proposed stringent punishments for contaminating food, suggesting a rigorous ten-year imprisonment for those found guilty of spitting in food. This level of penalty is usually reserved for grievous crimes such as attempted murder or rape, highlighting the state’s strong stance on maintaining public health and hygiene.

To implement this, the state has drafted two new ordinances. The first, known as the UP Prevention of Contamination (Consumer Right to Know), is aimed at penalizing deliberate contamination of food with human waste or any unhygienic material. The second ordinance, titled the UP Prevention of Impersonation and Anti-Harmony Activities and Prohibition of Spitting, includes provisions that require all eateries to display nameplates detailing the names of owners and staff. This measure is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and traceability in the event of violations.

A government press note emphasized the severity of the offense, quoting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: “Contaminating food with human waste and dirty matter is a grave offence and we will bring a strong law soon.” The statement reflects the administration’s intent to take a zero-tolerance approach to such acts, recognizing the potential public health risks and social harm caused by deliberate contamination of food.

The Bulandshahr incident has raised broader questions about food safety, hygiene protocols at public events, and the responsibilities of those handling food. In a country where large gatherings and communal meals are commonplace, ensuring safe food preparation practices is critical. Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to report any incidents of contamination or food tampering to local police and regulatory bodies.

Experts in public health and food safety note that deliberate contamination of food is not only a criminal offense but can have severe health consequences. Consuming food contaminated with human saliva or other unhygienic substances can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, bacterial infections, and other health complications. In addition to health risks, such incidents erode public trust in service providers and food handlers, highlighting the need for strict enforcement and deterrence.

The arrest of Danish serves as a warning to others about the seriousness of such offenses. The increasing use of social media as a tool for public accountability has played a key role in uncovering these cases. Viral videos and user-generated content have allowed authorities to take swift action, demonstrating the power of digital platforms in enforcing law and order.

While the specific motivations behind Danish’s alleged actions remain unclear, the police and local authorities have emphasized that any act of spitting or contaminating food will be treated with utmost severity. Bulandshahr residents and viewers across the state have expressed shock and disgust at the video, with many calling for harsher punishment to deter similar acts in the future.

The recurring nature of these incidents has prompted the state to adopt a more systemic approach to food hygiene. By legislating strict penalties, mandating transparency in food service establishments, and encouraging public vigilance, Uttar Pradesh aims to create a framework where such offenses are less likely to occur. Officials have also indicated that awareness campaigns and training programs for food handlers will be introduced alongside legal measures to reinforce the importance of hygiene and accountability.

In conclusion, the arrest of Danish in Bulandshahr is emblematic of a broader effort by the Uttar Pradesh government to safeguard public health and uphold social norms. With stringent new laws in the pipeline, authorities are sending a clear message: acts of deliberate contamination are unacceptable, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and carry severe consequences. The case also underscores the role of technology, citizen reporting, and swift legal intervention in maintaining accountability in modern society, particularly in the realm of public food safety.