Tensions flared in Aligarh’s Atrauli town on the night of April 14, 2025, after napkins bearing images of Hindu deities, along with ‘Bharat Mata ki Aarti’, were found being used at Khwaja Hotel. The incident sparked outrage among locals and members of Bajrang Dal, ultimately leading to the arrest of the hotel owner on charges of inciting religious sentiments.
The controversy erupted at Khwaja Hotel, located at Subhash Chowk in Atrauli, where customers were allegedly served meat and biryani on tables that also featured napkins printed with images and devotional content. Upon learning of the incident, several members of the Bajrang Dal rushed to the hotel and began protesting, accusing the hotel of insulting Hindu religious beliefs.
According to the complainants, the use of such religious symbols in a non-vegetarian establishment was not only disrespectful but also appeared to be a deliberate attempt to provoke and hurt religious sentiments.
Protest Led by Bajrang Dal Activists
Bajrang Dal activists—identified as Gaurav Sharma, Vaibhav Varshney, Dharmendra, Sanskar Gaur, Mohan Verma, Abhishek, and Jitendra Rajput—gathered at the hotel in protest. They submitted physical evidence to the police and demanded strict legal action against the hotel operator. “This is not just negligence, it’s a direct insult to our beliefs. Sacred images cannot be misused like this, especially in a place where meat is served,” said one of the protesters at the scene.
Police personnel arrived promptly to control the situation and defuse the escalating tension. The offensive napkins and materials were removed from the premises. Based on a formal complaint filed by Gaurav Sharma, the police registered a case against the hotel owner, Salim, under charges related to inciting communal sentiments and attempting to disturb peace.
Circle Officer Sarjna Singh confirmed that Salim was taken into custody and presented before a magistrate. He was later released on bail. “We have registered the case and are investigating all aspects. Appropriate action will be taken based on findings,” Singh stated. Authorities have assured that they are treating the matter seriously and are verifying whether the use of the napkins was intentional.
Incidents like the one at Khwaja Hotel are not isolated. Recently, the poster of the fringe film ‘Masoom Sawaal’ sparked outrage on social media for featuring an image of Bhagwan Krishna on a sanitary pad. The film’s director and actress later stated they had no intention of hurting religious sentiments, but the damage was already done. Such controversies—whether through ignorance, negligence, or provocation—are becoming increasingly frequent across the country. From religious texts being printed on disposable items to sacred images misused in advertisements, these acts have often led to public unrest and legal action.
