Hindu nationalism is a threat to Muslims and India’s status as the world’s largest democracy
GULAOTHI, India — Nasir Ali was selling tennis shoes in this small town east of New Delhi when a dozen men surrounded his street stall.
He instantly recognized them as the local goons: members of the Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist group with a long history of violence and a rising profile.
They accused the 28-year-old Ali of insulting their faith, because one of the brands he carried was Thakur, which is also the name of a prominent Hindu caste. A rival shoe seller had tipped them off.
“How can you sell shoes with Thakur written on them when you are a Muslim?” one of the men shouted.
Ali explained that he meant no disrespect, that he didn’t create the brand, he just sold it.
Then the men called the police, who booked Ali for provoking unrest. He spent the next two days in jail, where he said he was beaten by officers in the presence of Bajrang Dal members.
“I was targeted because of my religion,” he said. “I live in fear that anyone can
