London,January 14: An “innocent” man of Asian origin was branded a “terrorist”, and forced off a bus in Scotland by fellow commuters, who feared that he was a suicide bomber, as he had a rucksack and two cell phones, a media report has said.
According to British tabloid The Sun, police swooped on the bus, and then ordered the unidentified Asian man off for questioning after barmy passengers badgered the driver over “concerns” he was a terrorist on a suicide bombing mission.
“It’s terrible that people are alienated over the colour of their skin. I felt so sorry for the bloke because he hadn’t done anything wrong. If anyone else had two mobile phones, no one would have bothered,” a fellow commuter was quoted by the British tabloid as saying.
In fact, the incident began shortly after the bus left Glasgow for Aberdeen on Sunday afternoon. One passenger complained twice to the baffled driver who was then forced to make a detour to Cumbernauld police station, the report said.
The Asian was allowed back on to the coach only after he was quizzed and searched by cops, who reassured everyone on board he was not a risk, it said.
But the incident has sparked concern among Scotland’s Muslim community.
Ghulam Siddiquie, general secretary of the Lanarkshire Muslim Welfare Society, said, “Things like this are happening too much now. Our community is very concerned and angry as we are being victimised over the colour of our skin. Even though we are used to it now, it is still hurtful.”
Strathclyde police has also confirmed they quizzed the man after unfounded “concerns” raised by passengers.