Kolkata’s ‘Russian Chaiwali’ Forced to Shut Shop After Moral Policing

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Kolkata’s ‘Russian Chaiwali’ Papia Ghosal shut her tea shop.
2. She shut the shop due to alleged moral policing and gender discrimination.
3. Ghosal opened the shop four months ago near National Highway No. 16.
4. Local club members alleged she was spoiling the village environment.
5. Ghosal filed a complaint with the police, but the administration did not help.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Kolkata’s ‘Russian Chaiwali’ Forced to Shut Shop After Moral Policing

Kolkata entrepreneur and viral sensation Papia Ghosal, known as the ‘Russian Chaiwali,’ has been forced to shut down her tea shop in Kolkata’s Andul due to alleged moral policing and gender discrimination.

Opening and Harassment

Ghosal had quit her job to pursue her dream of running her own business and set up a small tea shop on the side of National Highway No. 16 at Ankurhati near Domjur four months ago. However, as the shop gained popularity, she faced harassment and was eventually forced to close down.

Local Club Allegations

According to Ghosal, a poster with a fatwa was put up in the village, ordering her to shut down the shop. The local club members alleged that she was “spoiling the environment” of the village and that her Instagram profile had “ugly pictures” that attracted “anti-social people.”

Ghosal’s Statement

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Ghosal said, “I don’t know who those people were. Some came there and posted a notice, ordering me not to open my store again. It was very upsetting. They are a type of anti-social people. It was a minority-dominated area, but I think Hindu or Muslim doesn’t matter—it is all about mentality.”

Police Complaint and Administration’s Response

Ghosal has denied all allegations and filed a complaint at the Domjur police station. However, the police have stated that they cannot directly intervene as the shop is built on government land along the national highway.

Local MLA’s Statement

When India Today contacted the local MLA of the area, Sankrail MLA Priya Paul said, “I was not aware of the situation. I will try to investigate the issue and help the girl.”

Ghosal’s Question

Ghosal’s question remains, “Why can’t I run my tea shop independently? Why should I be dishonoured, and my character tarnished?”

Key Takeaways to Remember

1. Kolkata’s ‘Russian Chaiwali’ Papia Ghosal shut her tea shop.
2. She shut the shop due to alleged moral policing and gender discrimination.
3. Ghosal filed a complaint with the police.
4. The administration did not help.
5. Ghosal questions why she can’t run her shop independently.

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