Mumbai shop owner alleges harassment by women over religious identity

Mumbai: An elderly Muslim shopkeeper in Mumbai’s Juhu area, Rafat Hussain, has alleged that he was harassed and verbally abused by a group of Hindutva women who targeted him because of his religious identity.

The incident took place on June 13 at Hussain’s shop, Mannat Ethnic Designer showroom, though a video of him describing the incident gained attention on social media several days later, Siasat Daily reported.

According to Hussain, four women entered his showroom claiming they needed wedding clothes and initially interacted with him as regular customers. He said they asked to see sherwanis and suits, but during the conversation, their remarks made him suspicious that something was wrong.

Hussain alleged that the situation changed suddenly when the women began abusing him and making comments about his Muslim identity. He claimed they told him that Muslims lived and behaved in a particular way and accused them of wrongdoing.

He said he tried to escape the situation and rushed to a nearby police station, where he informed officers about the incident. Hussain alleged that within 20–25 minutes, a crowd of around 150 people gathered outside the police station and raised slogans.

According to him, some members of the crowd attempted to enter the police station, with several young men allegedly trying to reach him. He said police personnel escorted him to safety.

Hussain further alleged that instead of action being taken against those who confronted him, the women filed a police complaint against him. While inside the station, he contacted AIMIM leaders including spokesperson Waris Pathan and Imtiaz Jaleel for assistance.

He claimed that after speaking with Pathan, he felt police officials were not responding adequately, alleging that an officer denied the presence of a large crowd despite the gathering outside the station.

Expressing fear over his safety, Hussain said he was now hesitant to remain at his showroom. He said he believed his beard and cap were the only reasons he was targeted.

Hussain alleged that the incident appeared to be planned and questioned how a group of women who came claiming to shop for wedding clothes could mobilise such a large crowd. He suggested that the attack was intended to intimidate him.

The video of Hussain recounting the incident has triggered discussions online, with concerns being raised over allegations of communal targeting and the response of law enforcement authorities.