Viral videos show vendors questioned over identity and forced to leave; activists and locals call for protection of minorities and strict action against those blocking lawful work
NEW DELHI — Fresh incidents from Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Agra in Uttar Pradesh have raised serious concern after some Muslim street vendors were allegedly harassed and stopped from doing their daily business in certain localities. Videos of both incidents have been widely shared on social media.
The latest case comes from Ahmedabad, where a Muslim vendor was reportedly forced to leave a Hindu-majority area after being questioned about his identity. In the video, a group of men approaches the vendor and asks, “What are you doing here?” He replies, “I am doing business.”
The men then ask his name. When he says, “My name is Shahjahan,” they respond by telling him to leave, saying, “If you are Muslim, why are you in a Hindu area?” The video also shows other vendors being warned not to return.
Local sources claimed that the men were linked to the Bajrang Dal, although there has been no official confirmation from the authorities. So far, police in Ahmedabad have not issued a public statement on the incident.
A resident from the area said, “These vendors are poor people earning daily wages. Stopping them like this only increases fear among them.”
Another local said, “Everyone has the right to work. Asking someone’s religion and then forcing them to leave is not right.”
A similar incident was reported days earlier in Agra, where two Muslim vendors were stopped in a village and threatened. In a viral video, a youth identified as Bobby is seen asking them about their religion.
When they say they are Muslim, he warns them, “The situation is tense. Muslims are not allowed to enter my village.” He further says, “If I see you again, I will beat you.”
One of the vendors replies, “This is my first time here, I will not come again,” showing clear fear.
Police in Agra later took action. According to officials from Fatehpur Sikri Police, the accused was arrested after the video went viral.
During questioning, he reportedly admitted to creating such videos to increase his followers and views on social media.
An officer said, “The accused was taken into custody. Action has been taken as per the law.”
These incidents have once again brought focus on the difficulties faced by Muslim vendors in different parts of the country. Many say they are being targeted not for any wrongdoing, but for their identity.
A social worker in Ahmedabad said, “Poor vendors go out every day to earn for their families. If they are stopped from working because of their religion, it affects their basic right to livelihood.”
Authorities have not denied that unauthorised activity or local rules may apply in certain areas. However, residents and observers say that any action must be based on law and applied equally, without discrimination.
As videos continue to circulate, there are growing calls for clear action from authorities to ensure that no citizen is stopped from earning a living due to their identity, and that law and order is maintained fairly for all communities.
