Fear grips Uttarakhand after anti-Muslim video of Hindutva leader goes viral
Dehradun: Fear and panic have spread among Muslims in BJP-ruled Uttarakhand state after a video of a Hindutva leader urging Hindus to report any Muslim wearing a beard and skullcap as a “terrorist” went viral on social media.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the video—widely circulated by Hindu groups—shows Hindutva leader Bhupesh Joshi, a functionary of a Hindu organisation, calling on people to contact the police whenever they see a Muslim man with a beard and skullcap. The lack of action or condemnation from authorities has further intensified fear within the Muslim community across the state.
The video, recorded in Dehradun, the state capital, shows Joshi speaking to media persons while referring to a recent police action against a Muslim man. In the clip, he is heard saying, “Wherever you see a man with a beard and skullcap, call the police and say that a terrorist is standing there.”
Uttarakhand has witnessed rising communal tensions in recent years, particularly around the religious identity of Muslims. Muslim residents say daily life has become increasingly difficult due to frequent checks, complaints, and public suspicion linked solely to their appearance.
Activists say that the video reflects a broader pattern in which Muslims face action based on allegations such as so-called “love jihad” or “illegal occupation”, while those issuing threats or hate speech face little scrutiny.
Media reports say the video followed an incident in a Dehradun neighbourhood where residents called the police after spotting a Muslim man wearing a beard and skullcap, claiming that a terrorist was present. Police arrived at the scene and took the man away for questioning.
Footage from the incident shows the man crying and pleading with Hindu police officers, insisting he was innocent and had no links to terrorism. One local resident who witnessed the police action said, “He was shaking and crying. He kept saying he had done nothing wrong. People were pointing at him only because of his clothes.”
Police have yet to issue a clear public statement explaining why the Muslim was detained, how long he was held, or what checks were conducted. This lack of transparency has deepened anxiety among Muslims, many of whom now fear being stopped or reported during routine activities.
Muslim leaders and human rights activists say such statements portray an entire community as suspicious. A Dehradun-based cleric said, “This kind of talk gives a green signal to harass Muslims. It turns neighbours into informers and police calls into weapons.”
Muslim traders, students, and families in other districts say they are avoiding travel to Dehradun and nearby towns. A shopkeeper from Haridwar said, “My children study in Dehradun. After seeing the video, my wife begged me not to send them back. We fear a police call can happen for no reason.”
Women’s groups have also raised concerns. A social worker from Roorkee said Muslim women feel unsafe when male family members step outside. “A beard or skullcap is part of faith. Treating it as a crime breaks trust and spreads panic,” she said.
