Caste-based Discrimination: Muslim barbers refuse to cut the hair of Hindus

Hindus from scheduled caste community in Moradabad district of Uttar Pradesh have complained that some Muslim barbers have refused to cut their hair. They have approached the local police police and the district magistrate alleging caste-based discrimination.

After receiving their complaints, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Moradabad, Amit Pathak formed a joint investigation team and started the probe into the matter. The officer said stringent action will be taken against the culprits if the allegations are found true.

However, in stead of apologising, the barbers in the region have shut their shops in protest. Dalits in the village told media that their children are discriminated when they visit saloons run by Muslims.

“They [Muslim barbers] hate us. This is why they have shut their shops. Our sons are not getting married because people look down upon us. They mock at us because we can’t take haircuts in the village saloons. No one wants to marry their daughters to our kids because of this,” India Today quoted a Dalit elder, Kallan.