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An angry mob attacked a Jawed Habib salon in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district and vandalised the property on 9 September, over a newspaper advertisement that was released last week.
Two police complaints had also been lodged earlier this week accusing Habib of "insulting and demeaning" Hindu Gods in a newspaper advertisement for his salon.
The advertisement depicted some Hindu gods waiting at Habib’s salon, with the caption ‘Gods too visit JH salon’.
Hindu Jagran Manch Activists Threaten Owner
Police said the mob was led by workers of the Hindu Jagran Manch, who attacked the beauty salon in Motinagar in the district neighbouring the state capital. As the mob vented its ire on the salon, some customers were trapped inside.
The activists of the Hindu outfit also threatened the owner to wind up his business or face consequences, following which a police complaint was filed. A police team visited the salon and took some eyewitness account of the attack.
Regional Secretary of the Hindu Jagran Manch Vimal Dwivedi said sacrilege of Hindu gods would not be tolerated at any cost. "We will not allow the salon to operate," he said.
Though no case has been registered yet, the police are verifying the complaints. K Karuna Sagar, a practising advocate, filed a complaint with Saidabad Police stating that the advertisement depicted Hindu Gods and Goddesses in “derogatory and insulting” way.
The ad “insulted his religious sentiments”, he said. Another complaint was lodged by a student of University of Hyderabad over the same issue.
Habib has already offered his apology and maintains that the ad was released in Kolkata by a partner concern without his knowledge.
Social Media Ire
The hair stylist also drew criticism on social media.
Responding to reactions on social media, Habib took to Twitter to apologise for the advertisement. He also clarified that the ad in question was published by the Kolkata franchise without his permission.
(With inputs from IANS)
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