Bengaluru: A shocking incident in Islampur near Nelamangala has triggered widespread condemnation after a Hindu man was humiliated and denied food at a wedding ceremony simply because he wore a tilak on his forehead. The video of the episode, now circulating widely on social media, has drawn outrage across the political and social spectrum, with many calling it an “assault on basic human dignity and communal harmony.”
According to reports, Raju, a resident of a nearby village, had attended the wedding of a family belonging to the Muslim community. He had gone to the function at the invitation of a relative of the bride. However, when he sat down for dinner with other guests, a person from the host’s side noticed the tilak on his forehead and reacted with hostility. Raju was publicly insulted and told, “We will not serve food to Hindus. Get up from here. Get out.”
The incident, which took place during a moment meant for joy and togetherness, instead exposed the deep-rooted prejudice that continues to plague sections of society. The words of insult “I will not serve you food, who invited you?” echoed across social media, leaving thousands appalled.
In the video, another person present at the scene can be heard confronting the host. He says firmly, “This should not be done. It is not right to wake up those who are sitting for dinner. If you had said that Hindus should not come, they wouldn’t have come. Are we not all brothers and sisters? These are poor people, SC and ST families who have come innocently to eat.” His objection, captured in the viral clip, reflects a rare and courageous stand against the rising tide of discrimination in everyday life.
The inhuman act of refusing food on religious grounds has drawn sharp criticism from across Karnataka. Civic groups, social activists, and community leaders have condemned the incident in social media posts calling it a “disgraceful reminder of the dangers of communal division.”
ಅನ್ಯ ಕೋಮಿನಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಅಸಹಿಷ್ಣುತೆಗೆ ಇದೊಂದು ಸ್ಯಾಂಪಲ್ ಅಷ್ಟೇ. ಹಿಂದೂಗಳಿಗೆ ಊಟ ಹಾಕುವುದಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಬಹಿರಂಗವಾಗಿ ಅವಮಾನಿಸಿ ಕಳುಹಿಸಿದ ತಿಳಿಗೇಡಿಗಳು ಇವರು. ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಬದ್ಧತೆ, ಧರ್ಮ ಸಹಿಷ್ಣುತೆ ಇಲ್ಲದವರು ಏನೂ ಬೇಕಾದರೂ ಮಾಡಬಲ್ಲರು.
ಜಾತ್ಯತೀತತೆ ಎಂಬ ಸೋಗಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಮತಾಂಧರ, ಧರ್ಮಾಂಧರ ಸಂಭ್ರಮಾಚರಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದರೆ ಏನಾಗುತ್ತದೆ… pic.twitter.com/P6jAAJXWQ7
— Basanagouda R Patil (Yatnal) (@BasanagoudaBJP) October 31, 2025
Social activists said the episode violated every principle of equality and respect that India stands for. “In our culture, ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’—the guest is considered god. Denying someone food because of their religion is an insult not just to that person, but to the very idea of India,” said one activist from Bengaluru.
Local residents of Islampur have expressed embarrassment over the behavior of the few individuals involved. One villager told reporters, “We live together peacefully here. Whoever did this has brought shame to our entire community.”
Legal experts have also called for action under provisions that prohibit discrimination and hate speech. “Such acts are punishable if proven to be based on religion or caste,” said a senior advocate, emphasizing that the police should take suo motu cognizance of the incident.
Meanwhile, community leaders and citizens have urged people not to allow the incident to inflame tensions further but to treat it as a wake-up call for restoring mutual respect and tolerance. “Incidents like these erode centuries of coexistence. Karnataka’s strength lies in its unity, not division,” said a local leader from Nelamangala.
The district administration has been urged to investigate and ensure that those responsible for the act are identified and made accountable.
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