'If an Indian tourist did this': Video of foreign tourist misbehaving in Dharamshala market triggers protest online, leads to arrest

A video going viral on the internet has raised the question of civic responsibility placed solely on the shoulders of the Indian residents across the globe, all due to the larger anti-Indian rhetoric being circulated far and wide.

A foreign tourist in Dharamshala was arrested after he caused chaos in the Kotwali Bazar of the city and allegedly misbehaved with a traffic police officer. X user @iNikhilsaini, took to the social media app to share the video online.

In the clip quickly gaining traction on the internet, the man can be seen shouting something while tossing vegetables from a vendor's stall and then catching them. He allegedly also pelted stones at a taxi, damaged a vehicle and caused panic in the area. Reportedly, several local residents and vendors tried to calm him down, but he continued to create chaos. During the commotion, he allegedly misbehaved with a female traffic police officer who was deployed at the spot. He can also be heard using foul language at one point.



The video attracted numerous comments from online viewers who called out how similar behaviour from Indians would have the world preaching civic sense and hygiene responsibility to them with brutal callouts.

"If an Indian tourist had done this abroad, it would be global headlines, lectures on culture, and endless social media outrage. The same standards should apply to everyone," wrote one user.

"What happened to this guy? He is lucky people around him remained calm. Otherwise, India mein to random chittar pad jaate hai. Yeh gora hai iskeliye isko chittar nahin maare logon ne," commented another.

"When an Indian misbehaves overseas: "This represents your country's culture." When a foreigner misbehaves in India: "It's just one individual." Either individuals represent nobody, or everyone gets judged equally. Pick one," shared one user.

Foreign tourist arrested

As per media reports, police rushed to the area after reports of the incident spread. Officials brought the situation under control and took the man into custody. Now, residents of the area have called for stronger security arrangements in crowded market zones, saying such incidents create fear for visitors and locals alike.

Speaking about the incident, fruit vendor Joginder Pal, who operates near Kachahri Chowk, said the tourist created considerable disruption in the area before police stepped in and detained him. He added that local traders were concerned about such incidents taking place in one of Dharamshala's busiest commercial zones.

Dharamshala ASP Bir Bahadur added that the foreign national has been taken into custody and that police are verifying details regarding his place of stay and other aspects of his visit.