Latest Report: Puri Police Investigate Viral Harassment Claims Against Santa Cap Sellers
A disturbing video from Puri, Odisha, showing a group of men allegedly intimidating street vendors selling Santa caps, has recently gone viral online. This incident, which occurred just before the Christmas season, has sparked widespread public outrage and prompted a swift response from local law enforcement. Authorities have initiated an inquiry into the viral footage to determine if any laws were broken during the confrontation.
Details Emerge from Viral Footage
The incident reportedly took place near Hospital Road, a bustling commercial area in Puri. The widely shared video depicts several men arriving in a white vehicle and approaching the street vendors. One individual, dressed in a yellow shirt and appearing to lead the group, is clearly heard questioning the vendors about their origins and religious beliefs. He then proceeds to express strong objections to them selling "these items," referring to the Santa caps.
The man in the video also reportedly insisted that the vendors needed special official permission to sell Christmas-themed hats. He further asserted that such items should not be sold in what he described as the "land of Lord Jagannath." As the vendors attempted to explain that they were simply trying to earn a living during the festive period, the confrontation reportedly escalated. The men allegedly continued to harass them, demanding that they close their stalls and leave the area. They even suggested that if the vendors wished to conduct business in Puri, they should instead sell items related to Lord Jagannath.
Police Launch Inquiry Amidst No Formal Complaint
Puri's Superintendent of Police, Prateek Singh, confirmed that the police department has taken official notice of the viral video. "We are carefully reviewing the footage," SP Singh stated, "and will take appropriate action if any violations of public order or other laws are identified." As of the latest update, no formal complaint has been lodged by the affected vendors regarding the alleged harassment. Despite the lack of a formal complaint, the police are proceeding with their investigation based on the publicly available video evidence.
Public Outcry and Calls for Communal Harmony
The viral video has triggered a wave of condemnation across social media platforms. Many users have described the actions of the men as blatant intimidation and an attack on the spirit of communal harmony. Subodh Mishra, a local resident, emphasized Puri's rich cultural history. "While Puri is indeed a significant Hindu pilgrimage destination," Mishra noted, "it also boasts a long-standing tradition of cultural coexistence and vibrant festive commerce." The incident has brought into focus the importance of respecting diverse traditions and the rights of street vendors to conduct their business peacefully.
