Mumbai: Elderly Muslim Tailor Faces Harassment Allegations, Communal Tensions After Showroom Incident.

Elderly Muslim tailoring shop owner targeted by Hindutva group in Mumbai over allegations of inappropriate touch-habit to female customers.

Sugandha Shinde | HENB | Mumbai | June 29, 2026:: An elderly Muslim tailor and owner of a garment showroom in Mumbai has become the center of a controversy following allegations of inappropriate conduct made by several women customers, an incident that later escalated into communal tensions outside a local police station.

According to the information provided, Rafat Hussain, owner of Mannat Ethnic Designer, said that four women entered his showroom under the pretext of inquiring about sherwanis and wedding suits before confronting him. Hussain alleged that the women verbally abused him and made remarks targeting his Muslim identity, accusing him of “living in a certain way” and “doing things in the wrong way.”

However, local Hindu women have alleged that Hussain had developed a habit of inappropriately touching female customers while taking body measurements for garments. According to these allegations, some customers had previously objected to his conduct, but Hussain reportedly denied any improper intent, stating that due to his advanced age he had lost his sexual appetite.

Fearing for his safety after the confrontation, Hussain said he went to the nearest police station. He claimed that within 20 to 25 minutes, approximately 150 people gathered outside the station, where communal slogans were allegedly raised. He further alleged that around 20 to 25 individuals associated with a Hindutva group attempted to enter the police station and assault him.

Hussain also stated that police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against him based on the women’s complaint rather than taking action against those whom he accused of intimidating him.

Speaking in a video that has circulated widely on social media, Hussain said he no longer feels safe inside his own showroom. He alleged that he was targeted because of his religious identity, saying, “My only crime is that I have a beard and wear a cap.” This is a false allegation, as lakhs of Muslims in India have beards and wear skull caps without any problem.

Hussain further claimed that the incident appeared to have been pre-planned, questioning how such a large crowd could gather within minutes if the women had genuinely visited the showroom only to inquire about clothing.

The incident has generated significant discussion on social media, with users expressing differing views. While some have condemned what they describe as communal targeting of a Muslim businessman and questioned the police response, others have emphasized that the allegations of inappropriate conduct should be thoroughly investigated through due legal process.

As of now, the allegations made by both Hussain and the complainants remain subject to police investigation, and no court has determined the facts of the case.
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_Agency Inputs.