Bakery owner arrested in Tamil Nadu for 'no Muslim staff' tagline

The 32-year-old owner of a bakery shop in Chennai was arrested for using an offensive tagline targeting Muslims in a pamphlet that he shared on WhatsApp groups. Prashanth, the owner of Jain Bakeries and Confectioneries, was arrested by the Chennai Police on Friday on a complaint that the advertisement he issued had “wrong information” about Muslims.

“Made by Jains on orders, No Muslim staffs" was the tagline that the bakery used in the pamphlets that were circulated on WhatsApp by Prashanth. Soon, the image went viral on social media with calls for action against Prashanth growing louder.

The bakery, which is located in the West Mambalam area in Chennai, had sought to control the 'damage' by saying that it tried to make it clear that it does not employ any Muslim staff after rumours were circulated that the food items are prepared by members of the community.

Mambalam Police said a case under two sections of the IPC was lodged against the owner of the bakery on a complaint that the advertisement had “wrong information” about Muslims. The police said he has been booked under 295A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace.)

Chennai Police’s action of arresting the owner of the bakery drew praise and criticism alike on social media. People shared both the advertisement placed by the bakery and a press release issued by the police announcing the arrest of the owner, saying offensive comments against any faith should not be tolerated.