The Congress party on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation after a video surfaced on social media showing civic officials allegedly forcing local hawkers to perform humiliating punishments during an anti-encroachment drive.

The viral video, shared widely across platforms, reportedly shows several hawkers being made to do sit-ups and stand upside down against a wall by municipal staff. Some officials were also seen brandishing sticks as a form of intimidation, according to eyewitnesses.

Taking to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Congress condemned the act, describing it as a reflection of “Talibani attitude” by civic authorities. “Such inhuman and cruel treatment of small shopkeepers in the holy city of Ayodhya is proof of the BJP government’s vile and dictatorial mindset,” the party alleged in its post.

Calling the incident “shameful and condemnable,” the Congress further wrote, “In the city where red carpets are rolled out for the rich, the self-respect and livelihood of the poor are crushed without remorse.”

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday when officials from the municipal corporation were conducting an anti-encroachment operation in parts of Ayodhya. According to local reports, over a dozen hawkers were detained and fined for setting up stalls without permission. However, the disciplinary action taken by the officers — captured on camera — has triggered widespread outrage.

Social media users and opposition leaders have demanded a probe into the conduct of the civic body, arguing that law enforcement must not resort to public humiliation.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders have urged the Uttar Pradesh government to take “strict action against those responsible” and to ensure that the dignity of small vendors and labourers is respected.