Telangana: Manipur duo denied entry at supermarket, cops probe racism claims

HYDERABAD: Store manager and two security guards of a supermarket were taken into custody by the Rachakonda police after they denied entry to two men from the northeast in the Vanasthalipuram outlet on April 8.
In what appears to be a case of racism, the duo – Angam Weapon, 24 and Kai Haokip, 22 from Manipur, were denied entry inside the supermarket to purchase groceries at 3pm on April 8.
“We have registered an FIR against the store manager and the security guards of Star Supermarket, Vanasthalipuram outlet under Sections 341 and 154 (A) of the Indian Penal Code. The store manager and the security guards are in our custody,” said A Venkataiah, inspector, Vanasthalipuram police station.
In a video shot by the duo, they are seen questioning the watchman as to why they are not allowed to enter the store. “What is with the racism. Manipur is a part of India?” said Kai. The watchman asked the duo to display their ID cards. "You are not allowed to enter the store. Aren’t you aware of the situation?” questioned the watchman to which Angam responded -- “We are aware, but we are not symptomatic. We are also Indians.”
After repeated questioning by the duo, the watchman is seen insisting them to speak in Telugu and later asks them to stop arguing. “My manager is out for lunch. Once he returns, you may speak to him. He will come back after an hour, you may seek permission and then enter the store,” said the watchman in the video.
Video shot by the two men went viral with over 1,000 retweets and likes and has garnered responses from many, including Kiren Rijiju, minister for state for minority affairs. It has been viewed by over 41,000 people so far.
“What surprises me is that the other bystanders did nothing to help them out too. This is appalling by any standards. Racism still has a place in our society even in the midst of this pandemic. Sadly, we are fighting two pandemic (#COVID?19 & racism),” tweeted Jonah Trichao, friend of the duo who shared the video on Twitter. Rijiju sought details of incident and the location where it occurred.

In response to the incident, Arvind Kumar, principal secretary of municipal administration and urban development tweeted -- “It’s unfortunate and our apologies! Collector RR district has informed that FIR is registered against the manager of this outlet and that the accused are in custody. Also request people to come out in support of our brothers and sisters from NE at this point esp.”
When TOI contacted the Star Bazaar for its clarification, it stated -- “In regards’ to the recent incident highlighted by one of our customers, we would like to express that discrimination of any kind is totally against our principles. We are dealing with this incident sensitively and also on priority.” The statement further read -- “We can assure you that we are here for all our customers, irrespective of their race, creed and class. We say it with all honesty that we will do everything it takes to make sure that our values stand tall, each day. Everyday.”