A Muslim businessman in Mumbai’s Juhu area has alleged that he was verbally abused and threatened by a group of women who targeted him over his religious identity, leading him to seek refuge at a nearby police station.
The allegations were made by Rafat Hussain, owner of Mannat Ethnic Designer showroom in Juhu. The incident reportedly took place on June 13, details emerged publicly after a video of Hussain recounting the episode travelled widely on social media.
According to Hussain, four women entered his showroom on Saturday afternoon posing as customers. He said they initially told him they were looking for sherwanis and suits for an upcoming wedding and engaged in what appeared to be a routine conversation.
As the interaction progressed, Hussain claimed the women began making remarks that raised his suspicions.
“During the conversation, they started using words and expressions that made me feel something was not right,” he said in the viral video.
Hussain alleged that the situation escalated abruptly when the women began verbally abusing him and making comments about his religious identity.
“They told me, ‘You are a Muslim,’ and made several derogatory remarks about the community,” he alleged.
Fearing for his safety, Hussain said he left the showroom and went directly to the nearest police station, where he informed officers about the incident.
Within minutes, he claimed, a large crowd gathered outside the police station. According to Hussain, the crowd raised slogans and some individuals attempted to force their way into the premises.
“At least 20 to 25 young men tried to enter the police station. I believed they wanted to attack me,” he alleged.
Hussain further claimed that instead of action being taken against those he accused of threatening him, a police complaint was filed against him by the women involved in the confrontation.
While inside the police station, Hussain said he contacted leaders of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), including national spokesperson Waris Pathan and former MP Imtiaz Jaleel, seeking assistance.
He also questioned the response of the police, alleging that officers downplayed the situation despite the crowd that had gathered outside.
Expressing concern for his safety, Hussain said he now feels unsafe even while working at his showroom.
“I am scared to stand inside my own shop. I do not know who may come tomorrow or what could happen,” he said.
Hussain maintained that he believes the incident was not spontaneous but pre-planned. He questioned how a group of customers could mobilise such a large crowd in a short span of time and alleged that the confrontation was part of a deliberate attempt to intimidate him.
“My only crime is that I am sitting in my showroom wearing a beard and a cap,” he said.
The allegations have sparked debate on social media, with users raising concerns over communal targeting, public safety and the handling of the matter by law enforcement authorities.
Police have not publicly responded to Hussain’s allegations at the time of writing.
