Muslim cab driver quits job after being publicly humiliated by Hindutva men in Agra
New Delhi: A 60-year-old Muslim cab driver has decided to quit his profession and sell his car after being publicly humiliated and pressured to chant Hindu slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram’ by Hindutva men in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the victim, identified as Mohammad Raees, said the humiliation in the Taj Mahal parking area of Agra broke his spirit. The disturbing incident came to light earlier this week after a video went viral on social media, showing two men on a motorcycle cornering Raees, questioning him, and then threatening him with consequences if he did not chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’.
In a new video released later, Raees recounted how the attackers ordered him to chant the Hindu slogan. Upon his refusal, the men issued a chilling warning that he must chant the slogan within three days or face punishment. As Raees tried to reverse his car, one of the men got off the motorcycle and slapped him across the face. The attackers fled only when bystanders approached.
Raees said he had never seen the culprits before and learned later that the incident was circulating online. Following his family’s insistence, Raees filed a complaint with the police. Authorities reportedly reviewed CCTV footage from the parking area, but culprits have not been identified.
Speaking in tears, Raees said, “I thought I would earn with dignity as long as God kept me alive, but my heart has broken. After this, I do not feel like doing anything. I will quit driving forever.” He added, “I will sell my car and sit at home.”
Local Muslim organisations have expressed concern, saying incidents like this target individuals for their faith and restrict their right to work and live with dignity. Citizens questioned how a senior Muslim driver in one of the most protected tourist zones in India can be assaulted without swift action. Many feel that such acts are aimed at humiliating Muslims.
As Raees remains at home, waiting for someone to buy his car—the only source of his livelihood, he said, “I drove people around with respect for years. I never troubled anyone. But now I feel unsafe. My dignity was taken away with one slap. How can I continue after that?”
