Who is the 'Russian Chaiwala'? Kolkata Shop Owner Speaks Out

Papiya Ghoshal: From Job to Entrepreneurship

Papiya Ghoshal, a woman from Kolkata, made a bold decision to leave her job and start her own business. She opened a tea shop named Russian Chaiwala in Andul, Kolkata, with the dream of creating a space where people could enjoy a unique blend of tea. However, her entrepreneurial journey took an unexpected and troubling turn.

The Closure of Russian Chaiwala

Recently, Papiya's tea shop, Russian Chaiwala, has made headlines for reasons other than business. Due to moral policing and gender discrimination, she was forced to shut down her shop. The incident has left her shocked and disheartened, especially since she had quit her job to run the shop and invest her time and energy into the business. Papiya, whose real name is Papiya Ghoshal, has been deeply affected by the events that led to her shop’s closure.

The Fatwa Poster and Allegations

The trouble began when a fatwa poster was put up in Papiya's village, demanding that she close her shop. The poster alleged that Papiya was spoiling the village’s atmosphere, and members of the local club joined in by criticizing her. They claimed that the content on her Instagram profile, including pictures they deemed inappropriate, was attracting anti-social elements to the area. Papiya expressed her confusion and frustration, stating, "I don’t know who they were. Some people came there and pasted a notice ordering me not to reopen my store. It was very disturbing."

Defending Her Business

Papiya is firm in denying all the accusations made against her. She emphasized that her business was about serving tea, and her personal appearance or Instagram posts should not define her character or her business. "My beauty or my dressing should not determine anyone's character," she said. Despite the challenges, Papiya remains determined to reopen her shop. However, the local clubs and the administration did not offer her support. In fact, she revealed that the local clubs had demanded money from her, but despite her promise to pay, they still did not offer any assistance.

Legal Action and Police Response

In response to the incident, Papiya lodged a complaint at the Domjur police station, seeking justice and the right to reopen her shop. However, the police clarified that they could not intervene directly because the shop was located on government land along the national highway, which complicated the situation.

Involvement of Local Politicians

India Today attempted to reach out to the local MLA, Priya Paul of Sankrail, for a statement regarding the situation. The MLA expressed her surprise at the issue, stating, "I was not aware of the situation. I will try to investigate the matter and help the girl." Papiya is now hoping for a resolution and support from the authorities to continue her business without facing discrimination.