The entrepreneur and boyfriend of Janhvi Kapoor expresses fury over the “nightmare” in Bangladesh; calls for an immediate end to the targeted violence against minorities
December 24, 2025: Shikhar Pahariya, entrepreneur and grandson of former Maharashtra CM Sushilkumar Shinde, has issued a blistering condemnation of the recent communal violence in Bangladesh. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Pahariya—who is currently dating actress Janhvi Kapoor—described the situation as a “total betrayal” and called for an end to what he termed “anti-India madness.”
“Sick to My Stomach”
Pahariya’s reaction comes in the wake of horrifying visuals showing the mob lynching of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh.
The Post: “Bangladesh right now is a nightmare. It makes me sick to my stomach. I am furious watching this violence, the hunting of Hindus, and the lies being spread about India,” he wrote in an Instagram story.
The Sentiment: Highlighting India’s historical support for its neighbor, he added, “India stood by them. We wanted peace. And this is what we get? This is pure hate. Hindus must be safe.”
Ground Reality: The Mymensingh Tragedy
The incident that sparked this global outcry involved Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old garment factory worker.
- The Allegation: On December 18, Das was targeted by a mob over unverified rumors of blasphemy following a dispute at his workplace.
- The Brutality: Reports and viral footage indicate Das was beaten, hanged from a tree, and his body was later set on fire on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
- Arrests: The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has since arrested at least 12 individuals in connection with the murder, though tensions remain high.
Widespread Protests in India
Public anger spilled onto the streets of major Indian cities on Tuesday.
| Location | Key Developments |
| Mumbai (CSMT) | Activists from the VHP and Bajrang Dal staged a dharna outside the BMC headquarters and CSMT station, blocking traffic and demanding a boycott of Bangladesh. |
| New Delhi | Hundreds of protesters gathered near the Bangladesh High Commission. Police were forced to use batons to prevent demonstrators from breaching the security perimeter. |
| Kolkata | A “Hindu Hunkar Padayatra” saw thousands march toward the Deputy High Commission, leading to minor scuffles with local police. |
Celebrity Outcry
Pahariya is joined by a growing list of public figures demanding action. Actors Swara Bhasker, Devoleena Bhattacharjee, and Munawar Faruqui have all used their platforms to denounce the lynching and call for the protection of religious minorities under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
Diplomatic Strain
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially voiced “strong concern,” describing the killing as a “horrendous act.” Following the protests, both nations have temporarily suspended visa services, signaling a significant dip in bilateral relations.