Internet Slams Meesho for Selling Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi T-Shirts, Platform Takes Down Listing After Backlash

Highlights

• Meesho faced backlash for selling T-shirts with images of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.
• Meesho responded by removing the T-shirts and committing to a safe shopping platform.

Bengaluru-based e-commerce platform Meesho recently came under the radar of netizens for selling T-shirts that feature images of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

The sale of such gangster-themed merchandise has raised concerns about online radicalisation, especially since these products can influence younger audiences.

Journalist Alishan Jafri first highlighted the listings on X (previously Twitter) calling it a troubling case of “India’s online radicalisation.”

“People are literally selling gangster merchandise on platforms like Meesho and Teeshopper. This is just one example of India’s latest online radicalisation,” Jafri posted on X. Jafri shared screenshots of these T-shirts available on Meesho, an e-commerce platform that connects suppliers, resellers and customers.

People are literally selling gangster merchandise on platforms like @Meesho_Official and Teeshopper. This is just one example of India’s latest online radicalisation.
Thread
1/n pic.twitter.com/vzjXM360q3

— Alishan Jafri (@alishan_jafri) November 4, 2024

He further commented, “At a time when the 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.”

The screenshot shared by Jafri displayed white T-shirts with Lawrence Bishnoi’s image and in some cases, the words “Gangster” and “Real Hero” in bold print. Available for all sizes including 8 to 14-year-olds, these T-shirts were being sold at prices as low as Rs 168.

Meesho Faces Social Media Backlash

After the post went viral on X, users on the platform were quick to heavily criticise Meesho for allowing such products on its platform.

A user commented, “What is this nonsense?” Another user jibed, “Dhandha mein no compromise; paisa toh paisa hota hai.”

One user highlighted, “Even Dawood Ibrahim didn’t have this level of popularity.” Several users also blamed OTT platforms and web series like Mirzapur for glorifying gangster violence.

Here are some of the reactions.

वेब सीरीज में गैंग स्टार को बढ़ा चढ़ा अच्छा बना कर कौन दिखा रहा है।एक से एक वेब सीरीज आ रही है।इतनी मार काट कमजोर दिल वाला देख भी नहीं सकता। अश्लीलता और नग्नता को कौन परोस रहा है।18+ है पर घर पर आसान उपलब्ध है।बच्चे ये देख रहे हैं इस समाज पर क्या असर होगा।

— Sanjay Sharma (@sanjayetc) November 5, 2024

Good Job Meesho !
Keep it up.
Dhanda mei NO Compromise.
Whether Blood Money or else, Paisa Toh Paisa hota hai

— Vimal Lakhotia 🇮🇳 (@vimallakhotia) November 5, 2024

@Meesho_Official what is this nonsense

— Inaam Shabir (@InaamShabir) November 4, 2024

Even dawood ibrahim didn’t have that level of popularity.

— Sarfaraz Nawaz Hussain 🇮🇳🇵🇹🇿🇦 (@SarfarazNawazH1) November 4, 2024

log hi chutiya hai to kya hoga ..upar se jo movies and webseries bnn rhi ab mirzapur types unhone to aur gangsters ki image ko youth mei chamka dia hai ..

— कलुआ क्रांतिकारी (@kaluaKiKranti) November 4, 2024

Meesho Responds to Allegations, Removes Listings

In response to the backlash, Meesho removed the T-shirts featuring Lawrence Bishnoi from its site. While these products were still accessible during the early hours, they were no longer available later in the day.

“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 was quoted in multiple media reports.

#TheWireImpact | @Meesho_Official tells newspaper, “We have taken immediate action to deactivate the products [promoting Lawrence Bishnoi]. Meesho remains committed to providing a safe and trusted shopping platform for all our users.”https://t.co/a5aegzcnP7@alishan_jafri

— The Wire (@thewire_in) November 5, 2024

Lawrence Bishnoi is a notorious figure in India’s underworld and has been involved in numerous high-profile crimes, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala.

His name has been in the headlines recently for issuing death threats to Bollywood actor Salman Khan.

The Bishnoi gang has also been linked to the recent killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique.

FAQs

Q1. Why did Meesho face backlash recently?

Answer. Meesho faced backlash for selling T-shirts featuring images of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, raising concerns about online radicalisation.

Q2. How did Meesho respond to the allegations of gangster-themed merchandise?

Answer. Meesho responded to the backlash by removing the T-shirts featuring Lawrence Bishnoi from its platform and committing to providing a safe and trusted shopping environment.

Q3. Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?

Answer. Lawrence Bishnoi is a notorious figure in India’s underworld, known for high-profile crimes including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and issuing death threats to Bollywood actor Salman Khan.

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