The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has said that attacks on Kashmiri shawl vendors in Uttarakhand will not be tolerated at any cost. Those involved in the attack will be punished under the relevant sections of the law, a senior ministry official said.
Officials said that the incident unfolded on Monday when a Kashmiri shawl seller from Kupwara was physically and verbally assaulted by a group of Bajrang Dal workers.
Bilal Ahmad Ganie (28) was first intercepted in the Kashipur area of Udham Singh Nagar district while he was selling shawls.
Police officials said that the primary accused, Ankur Singh, a local Bajrang Dal leader, led a group of five men who assaulted Bilal, subjecting him to physical violence, verbal abuse, death threats, and criminal intimidation.
The incident has stirred political backlash, with leaders and civil society groups demanding strict action against the accused group. Bilal was forced to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and was pressured into raising “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” slogans while being assaulted, police said.
The incident is not isolated. Kashmir-based shawl sellers and other vendors who travel to different parts of the country in a bid to earn a livelihood by selling their craft have reportedly been assaulted by goons in recent times.
It is believed there was pressure on the police to dispose of the case through a “mafinama” (apology letter). However, a viral video of the assault triggered massive outrage and condemnation.
According to officials, the matter reached New Delhi, following which the MHA demanded strict compliance with the law and order in the region.
Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth and the Governor later placed the case on top priority, triggering swift police action against those involved in the assault.
The DGP said an FIR No. 517/2025 has been registered under Sections 191(2), 115(2), 351(3), 352, 304, 62, 292, and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
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