Outrage … Asian man was forced off bus and grilled at cop shop over rucksack and mobiles
Don’t allow extremists to divide us
AN innocent Asian man was forced off a bus by passengers over fears that he was a suicide bomber – because he had a rucksack and two mobile phones.
Cops swooped on the Megabus coach and ordered the startled lad off for questioning after barmy commuters badgered the driver over “concerns” he was a terrorist.
Last night, the bigots on board were slammed by a horrified fellow passenger, who said: “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.”
The drama began shortly after the bus left Glasgow for Aberdeen on Sunday afternoon.
A passenger twice complained to the baffled driver who was then forced to make a detour to Cumbernauld police station in line with company security policy.
The Asian was allowed back on to the coach after he was quizzed and searched by cops, who reassured everyone on board he was not a risk.
But the incident has sparked concern among Scotland’s Muslim community.
Ghulam Siddiquie, general secretary of the Lanarkshire Muslim Welfare Society, said last night: “Things like this are happening too much now.
“Our community is very concerned and angry because we are being victimised over the colour of our skin.
“Even though we are used to it now, it is still hurtful.”
Strathclyde Police confirmed they quizzed the man after unfounded “concerns” raised by passengers on the bus.
A megabus.com for said: “Our driver followed our security procedures and contacted police.”
WERE you the passenger or do you know who he is? Give us a call on 0141 420 5200, text 07717 993530 or email scoop@thesun.co.uk
Mohammed Abbasi 