Srinagar, Dec 26: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has taken strong note of the assault on a Kashmiri seasonal shawl seller in Uttarakhand, asserting that such acts against Kashmiri traders will not be tolerated at any cost and that they are constitutionally entitled to work anywhere in India.
A senior MHA official said the ministry has issued firm directions to the Uttarakhand administration to ensure strict enforcement of the rule of law. “Kashmiri traders are equal Indian citizens and have every right to earn their livelihood across the country,” the official said.
According to officials, the incident occurred on the afternoon of December 22, 2025, when Bilal Ahmad Ganie (28), a shawl seller from Kupwara district, was intercepted in the Kashipur area of Udham Singh Nagar while conducting door-to-door sales during the winter season.
Bilal, who has been working as a seasonal shawl seller in Uttarakhand for over eight years, was known locally as a peaceful trader. Police said the main accused, Ankur Singh, a local Bajrang Dal leader, allegedly led a group of five men who assaulted Bilal, subjected him to physical violence, verbal abuse, death threats and intimidation, and forcibly coerced him into chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
Officials said the case initially faced pressure for an informal settlement through a “mafinama” at Goshala Police Chowki, delaying formal registration. However, after a video of the assault went viral and triggered widespread outrage, the matter reached New Delhi, prompting MHA’s direct intervention.
Following the ministry’s directive, Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth and the Governor placed the case on top priority, leading to a coordinated crackdown. So far, three accused have been arrested, while further raids and detentions are underway as the investigation expands.
An FIR No. 517/2025 has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to assault, criminal intimidation, coercion, threat to life and abusive acts.
Officials said no pressure or compromise will derail the prosecution and that the case will be investigated in a mission-mode to ensure transparent and expeditious justice. (KDC)
