An incident of alleged religious discrimination in Ahmedabad has triggered widespread concern after a Muslim street vendor was reportedly forced to leave a locality by a group of men who claimed that only Hindus could operate businesses in the area.
What happened
According to reports, the incident took place on April 8 in the Bapunagar area, where the vendor, identified as Shahjahan, was approached by individuals allegedly linked to the Bajrang Dal.
The men reportedly asked for his identity and questioned why he was working in what they described as a “Hindu area” After confirming his name, they allegedly warned him that “Only Hindus can work here” and forced him to leave the locality.
A video of the incident surfaced on social media days later, sparking outrage and debate.
Pattern of targeting vendors
The footage also suggests that other vendors were similarly questioned about their identity and warned against operating in the area. Such incidents reflect a growing pattern in some regions where street vendors are targeted based on religious identity.
Legal and constitutional concerns
Legal experts point out that such actions violate fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution, including the right to equality and the right to livelihood.
India’s Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 also protects the rights of street vendors to carry out their trade without discrimination, subject to local regulations.
Strong condemnation
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and activists, who have condemned it as an act of religious discrimination and vigilantism.
Forcing someone out of a public space or denying them the right to work based on religion is not only unlawful but deeply harmful to social harmony. Such actions undermine the principles of Secularism, Equality and Coexistence that form the foundation of India’s democracy.
Experts warn that normalising such behaviour could lead to increased social division and insecurity among vulnerable communities.
Call for action
There are growing calls for authorities to:
- Investigate the incident thoroughly
- Take action against those involved
- Ensure protection for street vendors regardless of religion
Key takeaway
The Ahmedabad incident highlights a troubling trend where identity based discrimination is being enforced at the local level, raising urgent questions about rule of law and protection of basic rights in public spaces.
