In Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, a Muslim dhaba owner has been detained by the police after Hindutva groups accused him of hiding his religious identity.
The incident has sparked fear in the Muslim community who allege that the extremist groups are targeting Muslims in the locality.
The accusations came after Bajrang Dal leaders pulled over for breakfast at the dhaba situated on the Nainital Highway. Reportedly, while scanning to pay the bill, they became furious to learn his religious identity.
The leaders called their fellow members who created a ruckus at the dhaba. Eventually, the police were called. Surprisingly, the police detained the owner and seized his dhaba’s signboard.
Speaking to the local media, the Muslim man describing his ordeal said, “I am trying to earn a living and lead a life of dignity. Running a shop is not a crime.”
Locals have come in support of the owner. They called the Police’s action “unfair and inappropriate.”
According to the right wing groups, the owner had allegedly used images of idols on his signboard during the Kanwar Yatra. However, locals and activists argue that their claims are completely false.
The dhaba remains shut and the owner is in custody. Police are yet to give a public statement.
This comes in the wake of many similar incidents across the country. During Hindu festivals, Muslim food businessmen often find themselves becoming the target of hindutva groups who demand boycotts of their shops.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com.