By Team Clarion
HARIDWAR – A 40-year-old Muslim street vendor has alleged that he was verbally abused and threatened in Kankhal township in Haridwar, after revealing his religion while selling goods in the area.
The complainant, Shan Mohammad, locally known as Shanu, said the incident occurred on 23 February when he had gone to Kankhal to sell household items.
According to Shan Mohammad, a man approached him and asked his name. “I told him my name is Shanu,” he said. “He then asked me if I was a Muslim. I replied, ‘Yes, I am Muslim.’ After that, he started abusing me.”
Shan Mohammad alleged that the man used foul language and told him to leave the village. “He warned me not to return and said there would be serious consequences if I came back,” he said.
The vendor, who has been earning his living by hawking goods for many years, said the incident has left him shaken. “I am a poor man trying to feed my family. What happened has disturbed me mentally. I am afraid something worse may happen,” he added.
Shan Mohammad has submitted a written complaint to the Station House Officer of Kankhal police station, seeking protection and strict action against the accused.
“I only want safety and justice. I have not harmed anyone. I was just selling my goods,” he said.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.