Local Muslim traders denounce allegations as racist; Hindu group demands action in ten days
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
SHIMLA – A Muslim shopkeeper here has been accused of spitting on food items, a claim that many locals believe is part of a broader effort to target Muslim businesses in the area. The incident, which has sparked tensions between communities, has led to accusations of racism and false allegations. Muslims in the region are insisting that the charges are baseless and are merely a tactic to undermine their livelihoods.
The controversy came to light on Wednesday (April 9) when the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, a local Hindu group, filed a complaint against the shopkeeper. It claimed that the vendor was selling unhygienic food and operating without a license for the past four months. However, many local Muslims, along with concerned shopkeepers, have denied the allegations, pointing to a pattern of harassment aimed at Muslim-owned businesses in the region.
Vijay Sharma, an official from the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti, demanded strong action against the trader and issued a 10-day deadline for punitive action. He threatened that if no action was taken in ten days, 500 Sanatanis (followers of Sanatan Dharma) would protest by setting up their stalls in the market.
The accusations quickly gained traction, but many local Muslims and business owners are calling the allegations unfounded. Roshan Ali, a Muslim stall owner from West Bengal, who has operated in Shimla for years, expressed his frustration, saying, “We have been doing business here for years and nothing has happened, but now some jealous people are trying to defame us with these lies.”
Subhan Ansari, another local Muslim businessman, emphasised that cleanliness and hygiene are core principles in Islam, “Islam teaches us to be clean and hygienic. It is simply impossible for a Muslim to do something like this. These accusations are completely fabricated,” he said.
Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhupinder Attri confirmed that an investigation is underway. “We are checking the records of all the shopkeepers in the area. As soon as the report from the property branch is received, appropriate action will be taken,” Attri assured, though the local Muslim community remains skeptical of the intentions behind the complaint.
The case follows a pattern of similar incidents in recent weeks, where Muslim vendors have been accused of unhygienic practices, fuelling fears of discrimination. Last week, a Muslim fast-food vendor was accused of using a Hindu name and spitting on food. Investigations into that case are still ongoing.
Critics of the current investigation have raised concerns about selective enforcement of laws. “Why are the laws being implemented only on select individuals?” Vijay Sharma asked, adding to the tension surrounding the matter.
While some residents support the Devbhoomi Sangharsh Samiti’s demands, others urge caution and due process. “Let the investigation be completed,” said Ramesh Kumar, a nearby shopkeeper. “False allegations can ruin innocent people’s livelihoods.”
Many in the Muslim community are now fearing that the growing hostility towards their businesses is being fuelled by religious prejudice, rather than genuine concerns over hygiene. With the ten-day deadline looming, the situation remains tense, and the possibility of further protests could heighten communal tensions in Shimla’s popular Mall Road area.
In the face of this mounting pressure, local Muslims remain adamant that the allegations are a ploy to undermine their businesses. “We have always followed the rules,” said Ansari. “But some people, out of pure malice, are trying to harm our livelihoods with these baseless accusations.”
