Shirt Choice Sparks Conflict in Dehradun

A dispute over a “Jai Shri Ram” poster at a Dehradun shop led to harassment of a Muslim store clerk, escalating into a communal confrontation now being scrutinized by law enforcement. Shahnavaz, a shop employee appointed by store leaseholder Girish, was targeted by members of the Bajrang Dal, who demanded he abandon his Muslim identity if he wanted to display Hindu symbols in the store. The incident has reignited discussions on religious expression in public spaces amid growing communal tension.

The altercation began when Radha Dhoni, a leader of the Bajrang Dal, entered the store with several associates, objecting to the presence of a “Jai Shri Ram” poster. According to video footage circulating online, Dhoni’s group was seen forcibly removing religious posters and asking Shahnavaz to chant “Jai Shri Ram,” threatening him with consequences if he did not. The video’s wide circulation on social media has drawn significant attention, prompting swift police action. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed under charges of inciting religious hostility and attempting to disrupt public harmony.