Activists and social media users describe the conduct as an attempt to intimidate Muslim business owners and interfere in their livelihoods
RISHIKESH — Allegations of religious profiling and intimidation have surfaced in Uttarakhand’s Rishikesh after members of a Hindutva organisation were reportedly seen identifying Muslim shopkeepers, harassing them and issuing dictates on “how they should run their businesses.”
According to reports, members of the group visited shops in a local market, asked shopkeepers for their names and, after identifying them as Muslims, the owners were reportedly warned to follow certain demands or face consequences.
One of the demands made by the group was that a woman should be present inside the shop, with members warning shopkeepers to comply or “be prepared for action.”
Critics have questioned under what authority such instructions were being issued and why individuals were being singled out based on their religious identity.
The incident has triggered concern among activists and social media users, who described the alleged conduct as an attempt to intimidate Muslim business owners and interfere in their livelihoods.
Videos of the incident have since circulated on social media, triggering widespread calls for official intervention. The footage shows members of the group questioning shopkeepers and discussing compliance with their demands.
Several social media users condemned the incident and urged authorities to investigate the matter.
While questioning the authority under which such actions were being carried out, one user wrote, “The extremists shown in the video are certainly not police personnel, so which rioters’ organisation is supporting these extremists, which is increasingly boosting their courage to spoil communal harmony? Will the father of the rioters pay the money for keeping lady saleswomen at the shops?”
Another user called for a formal inquiry into the matter, stating, “Video shows group confronting Muslim shopkeepers selling women’s clothes, demanding female staff after checking names. Request Uttarakhand Police investigation for public order and safety.”
Others expressed concern that such incidents reflected a broader erosion of democratic norms. One user wrote, “Complete transition into mobocracy and this is something even the opposition doesn’t want to speak of.”
The incident has renewed concerns about the targeting of businesses based on religious identity and the growing role of self-styled vigilante groups in public spaces. Critics argue that asking individuals to disclose their religion before issuing warnings or directives amounts to discrimination and creates an atmosphere of fear among minority communities.
The controversy has also prompted questions about whether such actions violate constitutional guarantees of equality and the freedom to carry out lawful business without intimidation.
At the time of writing, there was no immediate public response from local authorities regarding the incident. However, demands for an investigation continued to grow as videos of the confrontation gained wider attention online.
