‘Gangster’ not ‘Real Hero’: Flipkart, Meesho lambasted for selling Lawrence Bishnoi T-shirts for kids

Bengaluru-based e-commerce platforms Flipkart and Meesho are facing strong criticism after offering T-shirts featuring the image of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Concerns have been amplified as these items were available in children’s sizes.

The controversy gained attention when journalist Alishan Jafri highlighted the issue on social media, describing the sale of gangster-themed merchandise as a troubling example of ‘India’s online radicalisation’. He shared screenshots of T-shirts bearing Bishnoi’s face, with slogans like ‘Gangster’ and ‘Real Hero’ printed on it. These T-shirts, listed at prices as low as Rs 168 on Meesho, also appeared on Flipkart for Rs 249 after discounts.

‘This is just one example of India’s latest online radicalisation,’ Jafri wrote in the caption, adding that while police and National Investigation Agency are working to curb youth involvement in gang-related crime, social media influencers are profiting from the promotion of such content.

People are literally selling gangster merchandise on platforms like @Meesho_Official and Teeshopper. This is just one example of India's latest online radicalisation.

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1/n pic.twitter.com/vzjXM360q3

— Alishan Jafri (@alishan_jafri) November 4, 2024

Following a wave of public outcry, Meesho responded by removing the listings. “We have taken immediate action to deactivate the products. Meesho remains committed to providing a safe and trusted shopping platform for all our users,” a Meesho spokesperson said in a statement.

However, Flipkart still listed the T-shirts when checked, with two designs showing the gangster in a black hoodie and orange T-shirt, captioned with phrases like ‘The Gangster’ and ‘Real Hero’.

Social media erupted in criticism. ‘Shame on Meesho and similar websites. Shame,’ wrote one user, while others raised concerns over the messaging, especially given that the merchandise included children’s options. ‘And a kid also wearing his T-shirt. So wrong,’ a user said.