Viral 'Russian chaiwali' in Bengal's Howrah 'forced to shut down' shop over moral policing and gender discrimination

Quitting her job, Papia Ghoshal started her own business a few months ago by setting up a small tea shop- named Tea Amo- on one side of the National Highway 16 at Ankurhati near Howrah's Domjur.

Her business met a roadblock after notice, as the woman claimed, was given to her to shut down the shop.

Speaking to Aaj Tak, Papia said "illogical reasons" forced her to shut down the shop.

She alleged the locals claimed women can't sell tea as it would be dishonour directing her to shut down the shop permanently.

"There is no logic. Local club and regional people said a woman selling tea is dishonour and against the culture. They claimed the society won't accept it. My personal id has also been questioned," said Ghoshal.

Ghoshal claimed she had reached out to police who assured help but only after "quarrel" broke out.

"There is no reason for police to come after the quarrel actually breaks out. Local panchayat acknowledged it was wrong to force a shutdown but said they can't help," the tea-seller claimed.

Speaking on whether a Hindu-Muslim narrative exists in the whole episode, Ghoshal said it's about mentality.

"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," she told India Today.

Papia, a former model, started her own business with an aim to "create a brand" and "generate employment".

"Anyone can do a job but independent business will generate income for several others," she said.