Amazon Faces Backlash in India for Selling Shoes, Rugs With Images of Hindu Gods

Amazon said it was removing the products from its online store.

Advertisement
By Reuters | Updated: 17 May 2019 10:02 IST

Amazon.com faced a social media backlash in India on Thursday after toilet seat covers and other items emblazoned with images of Hindu gods were spotted on its website.

Thousands of Twitter users backed a call for a boycott of the US retailer, making #BoycottAmazon India's top trending topic on Twitter. Some tagged Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, urging her to take action against the company.

Amazon, the world's biggest online retailer, said it was removing the products from its online store.

Advertisement

"All sellers must follow our selling guidelines and those who do not will be subject to action including potential removal of their account," the company said in a statement.

Advertisement

The episode is reminiscent of an incident in 2017 when the Indian government took Amazon to task after its Canadian website was spotted selling doormats resembling India's flag.

Swaraj at the time threatened to rescind visas of Amazon employees if the doormats were not removed from its site.

Advertisement

Reuters found several listings of toilet seat covers, yoga mats, sneakers, rugs and other items depicting Hindu gods, or sacred Hindu symbols, on Amazon's US website.

Some of the items were no longer available for purchase.

Advertisement

"Until you hit these Hinduphobics Business hard they will keep on insulting your gods, your beliefs & your entire civilization," tweeted Sumit Kandel, whose profile describes him as a film trade analyst.

© Thomson Reuters 2019

 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Amazon, India
Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max Offers Listed Ahead of Flipkart Sale
  2. iPhone 17 Series, iPhone Air Pre-Order Discounts Announced by Retailers in India
  3. OnePlus 13 Gets Big Price Cut at Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale
  4. Redmi 15R 5G With MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, 6,000mAh Battery Launched
  5. Moto G36 Design and Features Revealed by TENAA Listing
  6. Instamart Sale: iPhone 16, OnePlus 13R at Jaw-Dropping Prices
  7. Vivo V60e Price in India, Specifications Surface Ahead of Launch
  8. Xiaomi 15T Specifications Leaked Ahead of Global Launch
  9. Early Deals on PlayStation 5 and Accessories Revealed Ahead of Amazon Sale
  1. Solar Storm From Hidden Magnetic Island on the Sun Surprises Scientists
  2. UK, US to Deepen Cooperation on Digital Assets Amidst US President Donald Trump’s State Visit
  3. ISRO Chairman Opens OrbitAID Research Facility to Boost On-Orbit Servicing in India
  4. Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Remake Will Reportedly Feature RPG Mechanics, Launch in Early 2026
  5. Amazon Sale 2025: OnePlus 13 Deal We've All Been Waiting For Is Finally Here
  6. Instamart Quick India Movement Sale 2025 Goes Live on September 19 With Jaw-Dropping Prices on iPhone 16, OnePlus 13R, and More
  7. Redmi 15R 5G Launched With MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC, 6,000mAh Battery: Price, Specifications
  8. Bitcoin Climbs to $116,700 as Ethereum, Altcoins Consolidate Ahead of US Fed Policy Decision
  9. iPhone 17 Series Might Only Support Faster Charging With Apple’s New 60W Adaptor For Limited Time
  10. Xiaomi 15T Specifications Leaked; Tipped to Launch With MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra SoC
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.