Hindu Groups Force Closure of Muslim Vendor’s Prasad Stall Outside Ghaziabad Temple
GHAZIABAD : In a controversial incident at the Sikri Mahamaya temple in Modinagar, Ghaziabad, tensions escalated when Bajrang Dal activists forced a Muslim vendor, Shahrukh, to shut down his stall selling flowers and prasad. The activists alleged that Shahrukh had concealed his identity while conducting business near the Hindu temple, sparking debates over communal harmony and religious tolerance in India.
The incident has raised questions about freedom of trade, growing communal divides, and the role of religious organizations in public spaces.
According to local reports, Shahrukh, who has been selling religious items such as flowers and prasad near the temple for years, was asked to vacate the area after activists from the Bajrang Dal discovered his identity through a QR code payment system.
- Allegations: Activists accused Shahrukh of concealing his Muslim identity to sell prasad near the Hindu temple.
- Immediate Action: Upon learning about the vendor’s religion, the activists confronted him and demanded the closure of his shop, threatening repercussions if he set up his stall near the temple again.
Police were informed about the incident, but the situation did not escalate into violence.
Members of the Bajrang Dal justified their actions, claiming that selling religious items like prasad by non-Hindus near a temple disrespects Hindu sentiments.
- Cultural Concerns: A spokesperson for the group stated: “It is unacceptable for someone from another religion to profit from Hindu rituals and traditions, especially near sacred spaces.”
- Call for Identity Transparency: The group emphasized the need for transparency in such transactions.
- Activists’ Criticism: Rights groups condemned the Bajrang Dal’s actions, calling it an attack on individual freedoms.
- Authorities’ Statement: Police confirmed the shop’s closure but refrained from taking legal action to prevent further tension in the area.