Uttarakhand Police nabs chef for spitting on chapati; right wing activists allege ‘thook jihad’

Uttarakhand Police on Thursday arrested a restaurant chef in Uttarkashi after his alleged video of spitting on chapati triggered an agitation by right wing organisations that claimed yet another attempt of ‘thook jihad’ in the state.

As the video of the restaurant kitchen in Uttarkashi went viral, a massive public protest erupted led by right wing organisations in the town. Youths belonging to Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and other saffron outfits took to the streets and called for complete shutdown of the market, demanding action against the accused man. The agitators alleged that police and administration were unable to check incidents of ‘thook jihad’ from men of a particular community in restaurants’ kitchens.

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According to the police, a case has been registered in the matter and investigation has begun. The license of the restaurant will be cancelled, the police added.

“A case was registered against the accused man who was seen in the video spitting on chapatis at a restaurant tandoor. Guilty will not be spared. Action is also being initiated to cancel the license of the restaurant,” said Janak Pawar, Circle Officer Uttarkashi.