E-commerce platform Meesho has faced severe backlash for selling T-shirts featuring gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The problem was mentioned in a social media post by filmmaker Alishan Jafri. In a post on

Jafri described it as “India’s latest online radicalisation”, sparking a wider debate about how digital marketplaces may inadvertently contribute to the glorification of criminals.

In his post, Jafri warned of the dangers of glorifying such figures and highlighted real-life examples of young people being influenced by gang-related content. He pointed out a case in Deoria where a 15-year-old boy killed a friend, reportedly inspired by online gang culture. He also talked about three boys who formed a group called “Badnaam Gang” in Delhi and allegedly planned to record their criminal activities on Instagram and seek notoriety.

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

— Alishan Jafri (@alishan_jafri) November 4, 2024

“I’ve been following India’s online gangster fan groups for most of October. “At a time when police and NIA are trying to prevent youths from participating in gang crimes, social media influencers are making quick money by promoting gang content and glorifying gangsters,” he wrote.

Apart from Lawrence, you can also buy Durlabh Kashyap t-shirts. pic.twitter.com/r3OTOclGot

— Alishan Jafri (@alishan_jafri) November 4, 2024

He added: “A few months ago a 15-year-old boy from Deoria killed his friend, inspired by gangster content. Before this, he allegedly attacked the school principal and harassed a girl. “Similarly, three young boys in Delhi formed a group called ‘Badnaam Gang’ and planned to kill someone, aiming to become a donor, and make it viral on Instagram.”

Bishnoi’s gang has been linked to several major crimes, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Deer Walarecent threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan and the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, among other criminal activities.

The post quickly caught the attention of online users; Many said the platform should be “de-platformed” and held accountable for selling such things online. One user wrote: “@meesho_support @Meesho_Official do you support state sponsored terrorism or is this yours?”

Another user added: “Glorifying crime and individuals disclosed in the terror-gangster network case by @NIA_India has become a business in India and companies like @Meesho_Official are making money by encouraging children to commit crime. @NCPCR_ should take note of this and NIA should investigate the matter.” “

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