A video of a man being caught for shoplifting in London while disguised in a burqa has now become a focal point in a larger discussion about a disturbing pattern. Critics and commentators are arguing that this is not an isolated incident but is part of a growing trend where individuals, reportedly Hindu, are using Muslim symbols and slogans to create chaos, defame communities, and sow the seeds of Islamophobia among the public. This pattern is exemplified by two recent, high-profile events.
The Disturbing Pattern: Defaming Through Disguise
The incident in London, where an individual identified in some reports as Laxman Lal was apprehended for shoplifting while wearing a burqa, has drawn widespread condemnation. While the act of theft is a crime in itself, critics argue that the choice of attire was a deliberate attempt to create a false narrative. They contend that the immediate public reaction to a person in a burqa being caught for a crime would be to blame Muslim women or the entire community. This act, therefore, is seen as an attempt to create a negative and false stereotype in the public imagination.
Laxman Lal, an Indian man, was caught shoplifting in London while disguised as a Muslim woman.pic.twitter.com/KeaYpxUS92
— Dr Humma Saif (@HummaSaif) August 22, 2025
This incident is now being compared to a separate, equally alarming event on an easyJet flight. In that incident, an Indian Hindu man was reported to have shouted “Allahu Akbar” and made threats against passengers, including President Trump. When police investigation and media reports confirmed his identity, the event became a clear example of an individual from one community using the slogans of another to create terror and fear.
The Goal: Creating Islamophobia
In both cases, observers point to a common, malicious goal: to create a “false flag” scenario that incites hatred and fear. In the chaos and panic that such incidents create, the initial thought is to blame the Muslim community and Islam for the actions of these individuals. By the time the truth is revealed through investigation, the damage is already done. The videos, and the initial, false narratives, have already gone viral, leaving a lasting impression on a public that is already susceptible to Islamophobic rhetoric.
Critics argue that these acts are deliberate and calculated. They are part of a larger, extremist agenda to create a climate of suspicion and fear against Muslims. The goal is to make the public believe that Muslims are a threat to law and order, a narrative that becomes difficult to reverse once a shocking video or headline has circulated.
In light of these incidents, there is a strong call for greater vigilance and responsible reporting. Exposing such individuals is crucial, not only to ensure justice but also to prevent their malicious acts from succeeding in their goal of destroying social harmony and defaming entire communities.