Angry Hindu group harasses Muslim shopkeeper over 'Jai Shri Ram' poster

A video capturing an incident of harassment by a Hindu group leader and her associates towards a Muslim shop manager in Dehradun has gone viral on social media. The incident, which occurred at Aman General Store on ISBT Haridwar Road, has prompted the arrest of the Hindu group members.

Following a complaint lodged by Ashish Aswal, a traffic police constable, the Dehradun Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the Hindu group leader, Radha Dhoni, and others involved.

The charges include Sections 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and Section 502 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The complaint details that the shop, owned by a Hindu man named Rakesh Borai, was rented to Girish, a resident of Raipur, Dehradun. Shahnavaz, hailing from Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur, was hired to manage the store. Borai had explicitly instructed Girish not to alter the shop's identity, or model, or remove any items, ensuring ownership remained intact.

On January 9, Radha Dhoni and her associates visited the shop, expressing objections to the name and posters related to 'Jai Shri Ram,' citing that they hurt religious sentiments. The situation escalated as they forcibly removed the board and posters. A video capturing the incident has since circulated widely on social media platforms.

This altercation has heightened tensions between the two communities in the area, prompting concerns about religious harmony.