Amazon removes products hurting religious sentiments after India lodges protest

After facing considerable backlash for using images of Hindu Gods on toilet covers and rugs, the e-commerce giant Amazon has removed the products from its online platform. The development comes after New Delhi had sent a strong message to the Seattle based company.

A government source speaking to WION on the controversy said, "The matter has been resolved"

The issue of four offending items on Amazon were brought to the notice of the Embassy through social media. The Indian Embassy in Washington immediately contacted Amazon and requested their removal due to the offensive nature of their depiction. The products were promptly removed.

The use of pictures of Hindu gods as rugs and toilet covers on Amazon's US website saw a lot of criticism for the company especially online for hurting religious sentiments. An FIR has also been registered against the company.

An Amazon spokesperson, responding to WION on the products with images of Hindu God said, “All sellers must follow our selling guidelines and those who do not will be subject to action including potential removal of their account.”

Not for the first time, Amazon has been in hit waters. In 2017 Amazon's Canadian website had a doormat with Indian tricolor. The company later apologised when India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj asked the company to not only apologise or no visas will be granted to the company's officials.

Amazon must tender unconditional apology. They must withdraw all products insulting our national flag immediately. /1

— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 11, 2017

The company plans to invest in the country and be part of the lucrative and rapidly growing e-commerce market.