Western Union Caught in Religion Row After Woman Alleges She Was Denied Money For Not Being Hindu; Probe Initiated

Western Union's Gurugram branch denied Martin money that was transferred by her Hindu friend from abroad.

New Delhi, Mar 19: World’s biggest money transfer bank , Western Union, has initiated an internal investigation after a woman alleged that she was not given money transferred by her friend from abroad.

Melanie D Martin has said that Western Union’s Gurugram branch refused to give her money because she was not a Hindu. A shocked Martin took to twitter and uploaded a video accusing bank officials at the branch of discrimination on the basis of religion. Here’s a look at her tweets:

@YUVSTRONGI2
Sir, I have faced a similar incident with WU as u did with Ma’am Keech. I was discriminated because of my religion and am fighting for my right as a citizen. Would like details of your experience, may we please connect. https://t.co/L73CIdVzE7 via @nyoooz_now

— Melanie D Martin (@MelaniedrMartin) March 18, 2018

I was refused to collect my western union transfer in cash from the sec 10A Gurgaon branch because my friend (the sender) is a Hindu and I am a Christian. Appalled by the branch manager Minakshi Pahwa’s discriminatory rules. Proud 2 b a Christian! #AIPCsouthdelhi #Profcong

— Melanie D Martin (@MelaniedrMartin) March 16, 2018

I have the right to be proud of who I am and not be demeaned because of my Religious Views or the friends I keep. I Don’t seek pity but my fundamental right to not be discriminated for being a Christian! @Profcong @ShashiTharoor pic.twitter.com/JwPU0AET9i

— Melanie D Martin (@MelaniedrMartin) March 16, 2018

Narrating the incident, Martin said she had gone to the branch in Sector 10A of Gurugram to collect the money. The teller asked her for an ID proof and enquired about her religion. He then told her that the sender was a Hindu and she was a Christian, so she would not get the money. She said she had never been discriminated on the basis of (her) religion.

As soon as she uploaded her video, support from every corner started pouring on the social networking site, questioning the bank. Many people shared and retweeted her video and soon it went viral.

What the hell is this !! How is this even possible @WesternUnion ??? https://t.co/PSZqiHEuUR

— Yasmin Kidwai (@YasminKidwai) March 16, 2018

Revert from western union regarding the blatant racial remarks made by their employee in Gurugram@AIPC_DelhiSouth @ProfCong @ProfCongDelhi https://t.co/xSex2Tf0Fr

— Yasmin Kidwai (@YasminKidwai) March 17, 2018

In one of her tweets, Martin said, “I have the right to be proud of who I am and not be demeaned because of my religious views or the friends I keep. I don’t seek pity but my fundamental right to not be discriminated for being a Christian!

Later, the bank responded one one of the tweets by saying, “We are deeply sorry for this incident and want to make sure you know that our business decisions are never made on the basis of race, religion, national origin, color, gender, age, or disability. Our specialized team is already investigating this matter to ensure Western Union Policies are fully adhered to by our independent agent.”

This is not for the first time that Western Union has hit the headlines. Two years back in Jaipur, Western Union refused to give money to actress Hazel Keech on grounds of religion. She took to Twitter to shared her ordeal.