FIR Against Amazon Over Products With Photos of Hindu Gods

#Boycott Amazon trended on Twitter after users criticized it for selling toilet covers with images of Hindu Gods.

An FIR has been registered against e-commerce giant Amazon for allegedly hurting “Hindu sentiments” after rugs and toilet seat covers with pictures of Hindu gods were available for sale on its US website.

A complaint was made at Noida’s Sector 58 police station for allegedly promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion.

An online campaign ‘#BoycottAmazon’ had been initiated earlier on Thursday, 16 May on Twitter as multiple users showcased their anger accusing the online retail company of hurting the sentiments of Hindus.

“The foreign-based company regularly puts up products on its website which hurts the sentiments of Hindus. This may lead to communal tension in our country anytime.  Hence, it’s a request to take strict action against the company so that such incidents are not repeated and Hindus can live with their pride and dignity peacefully.”

Vikash Mishra, complainant, to PTI.

Circle Officer Piyush Kumar Singh said the FIR has been registered under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code — promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony. He also said that the matter is being probed.

Backlash Against Amazon on Social Media

Amazon received flak on social media with users asking for its boycott.

Multiple users took to Twitter to question the selling of toilet seat covers, rugs and floor mats with the pictures of Hindu Gods.

An Amazon spokesperson had said that all sellers must follow the company's selling guidelines and those who do not comply will be subject to action, including potential removal of their account, PTI reported.

"The products in question are being removed from our store," the spokesperson added.

There are many more @amazon, @AmazonHelp, Remove this immediately.

Here are the links:

1. https://t.co/R0EGoUVEgE

2. https://t.co/PicNkDs1Pz

3. https://t.co/c4pyWKPpx6

4. https://t.co/LYoJnm8jmx pic.twitter.com/H5lEwVOkfI

— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) May 16, 2019

Shiromani Akali Dal’s Manjinder Singh Sirsa also called out Amazon for being ‘insensitive to the religious faith of Indians’.

I wonder why @amazon @amazonIN are so insensitive to the religious faith of Indians!

They continue to feature blasphemous products showing our Darbar Sahib, Temples or Gods in hurtful manner. I raise a strong voice against such products & join people in #BoycottAmazon movement pic.twitter.com/PZg4QRLZPq

— Manjinder S Sirsa (@mssirsa) May 16, 2019

Amazon has removed some articles offensive to Hindus but not all. How about a Funny Hindu Culture Doormat Decorative Floor Mat Kitchen, Bathroom Rug?Features the forms of Durga for Navaratri. Yes trample on the Hindu Goddess throughout your house.https://t.co/QvCHWHGFGh

— Dr David Frawley (@davidfrawleyved) May 16, 2019

People Call Amazon Out With #BoycottAmazon

#BoycottAmazon
Shame on you amazon pic.twitter.com/jh9wLOdioc

— manav (@manav_Jairaj) May 16, 2019

#BycottAmazon This is big insults for Hindu Religion🙏🙏 pls uninstall Amazon and show the power of Hindu. @singhmanishmuz. https://t.co/LnXnDnDB3T

— Aman09 (@Aman0959085412) May 16, 2019

Let us boycott @amazon @amazonIN also treat them in India for this abuse. Not to buy any product from them #BoycottAmazon https://t.co/r4rat1IWUa

— Chawkidar Vembanat (@Vishwapada) May 16, 2019

#BoycottAmazon really Amazon is a shit how can they sell such things that hurts certain community feelings #Amazon pic.twitter.com/g7L3R6FSAq

— Prashanth (@im_prashanth_) May 16, 2019

Many started a movement to sign a petition to make Amazon stop selling rugs, toilet covers and floor mats with Hindu Gods designed on them.

@JeffBezos @amazon https://t.co/SVe6kH1fVY hav insulted da Hindus across the globe by selling Kitchen rugs, Doormats & Toilet covers showing HINDU GODS. Amazon must apologize immediately & remove/blacklist these sellers ASAP
Please sign this petition
👇👇https://t.co/qcjHJYRTVc

— Chowkidar Osheen🇮🇳 (@Megha94507473) May 16, 2019

https://t.co/7LyoFOj3Ke: Amazon Stop insulting Hindus with Floor Mats and Toilet Mats with Hindu Gods. - Sign the Petition! https://t.co/rYHEiwSUuN via @CdnChange

— Muralidhar Reddy Mamidi (@muralidhar67) May 16, 2019

@JeffBezos @amazon This is a pathetic job by u. How can u insult so many Hindus? You guys are disgusting. Have the b@lls to do the same with other religion? We want an apology and removal of every single item from ur store. Ban those sellers.#BoycottAmazon #StopInsultingHindus https://t.co/apllhlTlYB

— Pikz (@internalsoul2) May 16, 2019

I request @sureshpprabhu ji to immediately take cognizance of hearting sentiments of Hindus by @amazon , #Amazon must be heavily penalised and must be banned from doing the business in India if ever repeat such act.@ashwani_mahajan Ji has already exposed their Cash burning model pic.twitter.com/SL3hxQcwcv

— Chowkidar khemchand sharma (@SharmaKhemchand) May 16, 2019

Absolutely not acceptable from a global major like Amazon. Hope they withdraw these items and respect the faith of Hindus, and for that matter any religion. #BoycottAmazon @SushmaSwaraj @PMOIndia @rajnathsingh @RahulGandhi https://t.co/fWRDuxw8DJ

— Parimal Nathwani (@mpparimal) May 16, 2019

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had received several complaints of Amazon selling flip-flops with Mahatma Gandhi's image in 2017. There were also reports of Amazon Canada selling doormats on its platform depicting the Indian flag.

(With inputs from PTI)