A video from Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri district showing an elderly Muslim hawker allegedly being forced to chant religious slogans by a youth has triggered outrage on social media, with members of the Muslim community demanding action against the accused.
The incident reportedly took place in the Mohammadi area of Lakhimpur Kheri, where a young man allegedly pressured the elderly vendor to raise slogans associated with Hindu religious beliefs while recording a video.
The clip, which has since gone viral, shows the youth repeatedly asking the elderly man to say, “Jai Shri Ram” and other religious slogans. The elderly hawker, appearing visibly uncomfortable, can allegedly be seen complying at one point after repeated insistence.
Elderly Man Appeared Uncomfortable in Video
According to social media users and local residents who reacted to the clip, the elderly vendor appeared nervous during the interaction and repeatedly tried to avoid the situation.
In the video, the elderly man is allegedly heard saying, “You switch off the phone, I will say it,” suggesting discomfort with being recorded. Despite this, the youth reportedly continued filming and insisting that he repeat the slogans on camera.
Several users who shared the video described the incident as humiliating and accused the youth of targeting the man because of his religious identity.
Muslim Community Demands Action
The incident has drawn criticism from members of the Muslim community and civil society voices, who described the act as disrespectful and demanded strict action against the accused.
Social media users tagged the local police and shared details allegedly linked to the accused, identified by some online users as Rahul Rajput, urging authorities to investigate the matter and take legal action.
People condemning the incident said forcing anyone to chant religious slogans against their will amounts to intimidation and an attack on personal dignity.
Police Say Investigation Underway
Responding to complaints online, police said the matter had been taken note of and necessary action would follow after an inquiry.
In a statement shared on social media, police said, “The Station House Officer of Mohammadi has been directed to take necessary action in the matter.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity of the accused or announced any legal action. An investigation is reportedly underway.
