E-commerce platform Meesho is facing significant backlash after selling t-shirts featuring gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, a figure linked to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and recent threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan. The t-shirts, priced at Rs 168, display Bishnoi’s image along with the word “gangster,” and some even feature designs intended for children. The issue was brought to light by filmmaker Alishan Jafri, who labeled it “India’s latest online radicalisation” and criticized how digital platforms allow the glorification of criminals.
Bishnoi’s gang is involved in high-profile criminal activities, and the sale of such merchandise has raised concerns about the influence of gangster culture on young people. Jafri warned that this type of content could inspire real-life crimes, citing the case of a 15-year-old in Deoria who reportedly killed a friend after being influenced by gang-related content, as well as a group of boys in Delhi who called themselves the “Badnaam Gang” and were planning to document their crimes on social media for attention.
The public reaction has been swift, with many expressing outrage on social media. Calls to “de-platform” Meesho and hold the company accountable flooded the comments section of Jafri’s post. One user described the sale of such merchandise as “shameful,” especially when aimed at children, while others condemned the glorification of gangster culture as a threat to Indian society.
Jafri also highlighted the role of influencers in promoting gang culture, warning that while authorities struggle to curb youth involvement in crime, social media influencers are capitalizing on the trend by profiting from the glorification of criminals.
Meesho has yet to respond to the criticism, and a request for comment from the company remains unanswered. The story will be updated as more information becomes available.
