Flipkart owned fashion e-commerce website Myntra was questioned on Twitter by RSS_Org, an independent handle created by RSS Swayamsevaks, for selling shoes containing cow leather.
The shoes, manufactured under the Indian brand Ruosh, are listed on Myntra’s shopping portal, accessible using the app. The mention of ‘cow leather upper’ used in the manufacture is found in the ‘Material & Care’ section.
On Wednesday evening, RSS_Org tweeted a screenshot of the listed product and asked for government action against the shopping portal. They claimed that the listing hurt religious sentiments of Hindus.
@myntra Kindly take it down as soon as possible.
— RSS (@RSS_Org) November 11, 2015The handle tagged verified twitter accounts of numerous BJP and other Hindu leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Manohar Lal Khattar, Akhilesh Yadav, Anandiben Patel, and Nitish Kumar.
Myntra’s official handle, @myntra, responded two hours later with three tweets apologising for RSS_Org’s disapproval and clarifying that the product is made with imported leather and its sale is legal.
@ryadav_ we appreciate your sentiments. We feel sorry if the sale of any particular item does not meet your approval. However, (1/3)
— Myntra (@myntra) November 11, 2015
@ryadav_ The product in question is an imported product and/or made from imported leather. the sale of leather products is not illegal (2/3)
— Myntra (@myntra) November 11, 2015
@ryadav_ in India. Please be assured that we function within legally permissible norms. (3/3)
— Myntra (@myntra) November 11, 2015However, the independent handle stayed put by asking Myntra to take down the product ‘as soon as possible". Myntra did not reply after that.
@myntra Kindly take it down as soon as possible.
— RSS (@RSS_Org) November 11, 2015There has been no communication between Myntra & RSS_Org since, but many users took to attacking the Swayansevaks’ independent handle for their tweet. Some of them even mentioned how so many other products have bovine parts in them.
@RSS_Org U know, Cricket Balls also made of Cow Leather. Do stop cricket @myntra
— Joy (@Joydas) November 11, 2015
@Joydas Belt and shoes used in RSS uniform is also made of leather @RSS_Org @myntra
— Asgar (@asgarhid) November 11, 2015
@RSS_Org @brownbrumby @myntra RSS take down your brain, its made of cow dung,
— Falah (@Falah_uk) November 12, 2015
@RSS_Org @myntra That product is imported. What will you do now? Return your chaddi to the government in protest?
— Bhokali baba (@chummu39) November 12, 2015
@RSS_Org @myntra It seems Horlicks like item have upto 17% bovine born n bone marrow in them.
— harmony1960 (@harmony1960) November 12, 2015