Outrage erupts as Meesho sells Lawrence Bishnoi t-shirts: 'Making quick money by glorifying gangsters'
Filmmaker Alishan Jafri has shared that platforms like Meesho are selling T-shirts featuring notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's image. He calls it out as a troubling trend that glorifies gang culture and contributes to online radicalisation.
Although Lawrence Bishnoi has been behind bars since 2014, his name continues to make headlines¡ªoften for high-profile threats against Salman Khan over the blackbuck case, and now, with his gang claiming responsibility for the killing of former Maharashtra Assembly member Baba Siddique. In a shocking turn of events, Meesho has sparked outrage by putting T-shirts featuring Bishnoi's face up for sale, drawing widespread criticism for trivialising a serious situation.
Filmmaker Alishan Jafri has raised caution over a troubling trend, taking to social media to expose how platforms like Meesho and Teeshopper are selling merchandise glorifying gangsters.
People are literally selling gangster merchandise on platforms like @Meesho_Official and Teeshopper. This is just one example of India's latest online radicalisation.
¡ª Alishan Jafri (@alishan_jafri) November 4, 2024
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Worsening the issue is the fact that these T-shirts are also being marketed to kids.
He dubbed this phenomenon India's latest form of online radicalisation.
The merchandise includes white T-shirts featuring Lawrence Bishnoi's image, some boldly emblazoned with the word "gangster," and priced as low as Rs 168.
Jafri further highlighted that T-shirts of another notorious gangster, the deceased Durlabh Kashyap, are also available for sale¡ªKashyap has had a reputation for committing multiple heinous crimes.
Apart from Lawrence, you can also buy Durlabh Kashyap t-shirts. pic.twitter.com/r3OTOclGot
¡ª Alishan Jafri (@alishan_jafri) November 4, 2024
Jafri emphasised that this issue extends beyond Meesho; it's indicative of a larger cultural problem fuelled by YouTubers and social media influencers.
While law enforcement and the NIA struggle to prevent youth from getting involved in gang crime, influencers are cashing in by promoting gang culture and glorifying criminals.
Additionally, Jafri notes, creators are producing outrageous desi YouTube films and music videos that mimic gangster lifestyles, raking in millions of views and further normalizing this troubling trend.
Addressing the matter, a Meesho spokesperson stated, "We have taken immediate action to deactivate the products. Meesho remains committed to providing a safe and trusted shopping platform for all our users."
Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?
Lawrence Bishnoi is a notorious Indian gangster involved in serious crimes like extortion, organised crime, and murder. He became famous for his threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan in the blackbuck poaching case.
Credit: BCCL, X
Bishnoi leads a criminal gang primarily active in northern India, especially in Punjab and Rajasthan. His gang is linked to several violent acts, and he is known for his aggressive demeanor and strong ties to his community.
Since his arrest in 2014, he has remained in the spotlight due to his gang's activities and threats made from prison.
His involvement in the recent murder of Baba Siddique, a former member of the Maharashtra Assembly, has further increased his visibility in the media.
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