Owner and 5 others arrested

A servant faced brutal mistreatment allegedly at the hands of the shop owner and fellow workers at the APMC Masala Market in Vashi. The victim, identified as Rakesh Patel, was subjected to physical assault and forced to endure degrading acts after being accused of stealing cardamom from the Swastik Trading spice shop where he was employed.

According to Senior Police Inspector Ajay Shinde, the distressing event occurred on the evening of Wednesday, March 27. Rakesh Patel, an employee at the spice shop, was confronted by the owner upon suspicion of pilfering 23 kilograms of cardamom. Subsequently, the owner, identified as Raunak Bhanushali, along with other employees, reportedly subjected Rakesh to severe physical assault as a form of retribution.

The brutality didn't end there; Rakesh was coerced into a humiliating apology, which was recorded on video, and forced to lick his own shoes. Upon suspicion of foul play, the police intervened and promptly arranged for Rakesh's medical examination. The medical report confirmed signs of assault, prompting law enforcement to take immediate action.

In response to the disturbing incident, the APMC police registered a case against six individuals, including the owner, for their alleged involvement in the assault and humiliating treatment inflicted upon Rakesh. Additionally, a separate case of theft was registered against Rakesh for the alleged cardamom theft.

Senior Police Inspector Ajay Shinde informed that the investigation into the matter is ongoing.