'What in the world': Meesho faces flak for selling Lawrence Bishnoi merchandise, post goes viral

Lawrence Bishnoi's gang is linked to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, and recent threats against Salman Khan. (Image: @@alishan_jafri/X)

E-commerce platform Meesho is facing heavy criticism for selling t-shirts featuring gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, an issue highlighted by filmmaker Alishan Jafri. Jafri's post on X pointed out the t-shirts, priced at Rs 168, depicting Bishnoi’s image and the word “gangster,” with some items even featuring children. He called it an instance of “India’s latest online radicalisation,” sparking debates on how digital marketplaces enable the glorification of criminals.

Bishnoi's gang is linked to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, and recent threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan, as well as other criminal acts, including the recent murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique.

Jafri, in his post, warned of the dangers of glorifying such figures, noting real-life cases of young people inspired by gang content. He cited examples such as a 15-year-old from Deoria who killed a friend, reportedly influenced by such online culture, and three boys in Delhi who formed a group called “Badnaam Gang,” reportedly planning to record their crimes for Instagram in a bid to gain notoriety.

People are literally selling gangster merchandise on platforms like @Meesho_Official and Teeshopper. This is just one example of India's latest online radicalisation.Thread1/n pic.twitter.com/vzjXM360q3
Alishan Jafri (@alishan_jafri) November 4, 2024

Public response was swift, with many condemning Meesho. Comments under Jafri's post included calls to "de-platform" Meesho and hold it accountable. Some expressed concerns over the broader social implications, with one user stating, “This gangster culture will destroy India.” Another user called it shameful that Meesho allowed gangster-themed clothing on its marketplace, particularly those aimed at children.

"Shame on Meesho and similar websites. Shame!" a user remarked. A fourth user questioned, "What the hell. @Meesho_Official why are you selling a gangsters merch. What in the world?"

"Shut shop now," another user stated.

Jafri also pointed out that influencers might profit by promoting gang culture, adding, “At a time when police and NIA are struggling to stop youths from joining gang crime, social media influencers are making quick money by promoting gang content and glorifying gangsters.”

A spokesperson for Meesho did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This story will be updated further upon receiving response.

Meanwhile, since this morning, the t-shirts with Bishnoi's face printed on them have been de-listed from the website.