The Islamophobic video urges police action against Muslims with a beard and skullcap; safety concerns across Uttarakhand amid claims of bias and silence from authorities
NEW DELHI/DEHRADUN — A video circulating widely on social media has placed Uttarakhand under sharp public focus after a Hindutva leader was heard urging people to call the police on any Muslim seen wearing a beard and skullcap, branding them a terrorist.
The remarks, linked to Bhupesh Joshi, a functionary of a Hindu organisation, have led to alarm among Muslims and drawn criticism from civil rights voices, who say such speech puts lives at risk.
The video, recorded in Dehradun, the state capital, shows Joshi speaking to media persons while referring to a recent police action against a Muslim man. In the clip, Joshi is heard saying, “Wherever you see a man with a beard and skullcap, call the police and say that a terrorist is standing there.”
The statement spread rapidly across platforms, prompting anger and fear, while questions grew over the role of authorities and the safety of minorities.
Uttarakhand has seen rising tension around religious identity in recent years. Muslim residents say daily life has grown hard, with checks, complaints, and public suspicion linked to appearance. Activists say the video reflects a wider pattern where Muslims face action on claims tied to alleged ‘love jihad’ cases or claims of illegal occupation, while those making threats face little scrutiny.
According to media reports, the incident that triggered the video involved a Muslim man seen in a Dehradun neighbourhood. Residents called the police after spotting him with a beard and skullcap. They told officers that a terrorist was present in the area. Police arrived and took the man away for questioning.
A video from the scene shows the man crying and pleading with officers. He says he is innocent and has no link to terror. His distress has moved many viewers. One local resident who witnessed the police action said, “He was shaking and crying. He kept saying he had done nothing wrong. People were pointing at him only because of his clothes.”
The police have not issued a clear public statement on why the man was detained, how long he was held, or what checks were carried out. The lack of clarity has deepened concern among Muslims, who say they fear being stopped or reported while going about routine work.
Bhupesh Joshi is no stranger to controversy. Past videos and statements linked to him have resurfaced since the Dehradun clip went viral. During a protest against Bangladesh, Joshi was recorded saying, “Terrorism has only one identity: a skullcap and the recitation of the Qur’an.” In the same speech, he issued a warning to Muslims, saying, “I want to tell you that if you follow the rules, you will benefit. All the terrorist incidents taking place in the country are due to them.”
Muslim leaders and rights workers say such words paint an entire community as suspect. A Dehradun-based cleric said, “This kind of talk gives a green signal to harass Muslims. It turns neighbours into informers and police calls into weapons.”
The impact of the video has reached beyond Dehradun. Muslim traders, students, and families in other districts say they are avoiding travel to the capital and nearby towns. A shopkeeper from Haridwar said, “My children study in Dehradun. After seeing the video, my wife begged me not to send them back. We fear a call to the police can happen for no reason.”
Women’s groups also raised concern. A social worker from Roorkee said Muslim women feel unsafe when male relatives step out. “A beard or cap is part of faith. Treating it as a crime breaks trust and spreads panic,” she said.
Non-Muslim residents have also spoken out. A retired teacher from Dehradun said, “I do not agree with this language. It makes our city look cruel. Innocent people should not be targeted for how they look.”
As the video spread, calls grew for action against hate speech. Legal experts point out that urging false complaints to police can lead to misuse of law and public disorder. They say such speech can also attract charges under sections dealing with incitement and public mischief.
Yet, as of now, the Uttarakhand Police have not released an official statement on Joshi’s remarks. They have also not clarified the outcome of the detention of the Muslim man. This silence has drawn sharp criticism.
A senior advocate from Nainital said, “The police must speak clearly. When threats go viral, a firm response is needed to calm the public. Silence sends the wrong message.”
Minority and human rights groups say the episode fits a pattern seen in several BJP-ruled states. They argue that Muslims face action on weak grounds, while those spreading hate enjoy protection. A statement issued by a civil liberties forum said, “Calling Muslims terrorists based on dress is dangerous. It invites mob action and false cases. The state must act to protect life and liberty.”
Another group demanded an inquiry into the police response. “Why was a man detained only on a phone call? What checks were done before taking him away?” the statement asked.
For many Muslims in Uttarakhand, the issue is not just one video. They speak of routine suspicion at workplaces, rented homes, and public spaces. A delivery worker in Dehradun said, “I wear a cap. Customers look at me with doubt. After this video, I fear someone may call the police on me.”
Students feel the strain too. A college student said, “We came here to study. Now we think twice before stepping out. A beard should not decide my future.”
Community elders say the mental toll is heavy. “Children ask why people hate us,” said an imam. “We tell them to stay calm and trust the law, yet trust is fading.”
Opposition leaders in the state have made brief comments, calling the remarks irresponsible. One local leader said, “No citizen should be targeted for faith. The government must act.” Still, no strong political statement has followed.
Ruling party leaders have stayed largely quiet. The absence of clear condemnation has added to the sense of unease among Muslims.
Former police officers say calls based on appearance should be handled with care. A retired IPS officer said, “Police should assess information before acting. Detaining someone only due to dress can violate rights and cause harm.”
He added, “Public figures must speak responsibly. Words can lead to real-world harm.”
Online platforms are filled with debate. Many users condemned the remarks and expressed solidarity with Muslims. Others defended Joshi, claiming security concerns. Fact-checkers have warned against spreading unverified claims and urged users to avoid hate.
A journalist based in Delhi said, “This is a test for institutions. Free speech does not cover calls for false reporting and fear.”
Muslim leaders have appealed for calm while seeking firm action. A community representative said, “We ask our people to stay peaceful. We ask the state to protect us. Safety is a right, not a favour.”
Civil society groups have urged the police to issue a clear statement, explain the detention, and act against hate speech. They say this would restore confidence.
The Dehradun video has left a mark on Uttarakhand’s social fabric. It has raised hard questions about policing, speech, and the place of minorities in public life. For Muslims, the fear is simple and daily: being seen, being reported, being taken away.
As one resident put it, “We want to live like others. Our faith should not make us suspects.”
Until clear answers come from authorities, that fear remains.
