Kolkata, 8 December (H.S.) : A controversy has erupted after a video went viral showing a food vendor being assaulted for selling non-vegetarian items near a Gita recitation event organised by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground. Although the authenticity of the viral video has not yet been independently verified by Hindusthan Samachar, the visuals have triggered widespread criticism across political circles.

In the video, a vendor carrying a tin box filled with chicken patties is seen being surrounded and beaten by several individuals soon after the religious event concluded on Sunday. The attackers, some wearing tilak on their foreheads and others draped in traditional scarves, allegedly forced the vendor to hold his ears and perform sit-ups as punishment. They also overturned his tin box and threw away all the food items.

The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Trinamool Congress state general secretary and party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh. Reacting strongly, he said, “If someone does not wish to eat non-vegetarian food, they simply don’t have to buy it. But why assault the vendor? These sellers earn their livelihood by selling different items in that area. This is unacceptable and shameful.”

Ghosh further added that the vendor was merely doing his job and that poor street sellers generally do not classify their customers based on caste, religion, or dietary preference. He criticised the attackers for targeting a man who depends on daily sales for his livelihood. “Those who don’t want to eat patties won’t eat them. But why beat the vendor? That area is a space for people to earn a livelihood. Why assault someone without understanding anything?” he asked.

Drawing a sharp comparison, Ghosh questioned the selective outrage: “At the Brigade event, many people wearing leather shoes were seen posing with the Gita. Why weren’t they punished in the same manner? I strongly condemn this incident.”

Police are expected to take up the matter once the authenticity of the video is verified, though no official complaint had been reported at the time of filing this story.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh