Food only for those who recite ‘Jai Shri Ram’: Muslim woman denied free food in Mumbai
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A hijab-clad Muslim woman was denied free food by a distributor for refusing to chant the slogan “Jai Shri Ram” outside Tata Hospital in Mumbai, an incident that has sparked outrage online and prompted widespread condemnation of the distributor's actions.
The incident occurred during a food distribution initiative organised by a non-governmental organization (NGO) on Jerbai Wadia Road, aimed at providing meals to patients and their families.
As the woman waited in line for her meal, the distributor insisted that she chant the “Jai Shri Ram” slogan before being served. When she declined to comply, he ordered her to leave the queue, claiming she would not receive food unless she repeated the phrase.
In a heated exchange captured on video, the distributor threatened the woman, stating, “Laat marunga” (I’ll kick you). The woman firmly replied that she wasn’t standing on his property and stood her ground against the demand.
The footage quickly went viral on social media, drawing significant backlash from netizens who expressed outrage at the distributor’s behaviour. Many users labelled the NGO's actions as discriminatory, arguing that such conduct contradicts the fundamental principles of charity and compassion. One user commented, “Sikhs, Muslims & Christians don’t put a condition of religious slogan for offering food. Charity with such a condition is no charity.”
Calls for accountability have surged, with users urging others to identify the NGO involved and escalate the matter due to the distributor's unacceptable conduct. Despite the widespread outrage, no formal police complaint has been lodged, and no action has been taken against the distributor as of yet.