The story of Mehul Prajapati, an Indian-born data scientist residing in Canada, has stirred controversy and sparked discussions on social media platforms. Prajapati’s revelation of how he accessed free groceries from food banks meant for the economically disadvantaged has ignited debates about ethics and privilege. 

In the video, Prajapati offers his audience insights into methods he claims can help them save “hundreds of bucks” monthly on groceries. He demonstrates this by showcasing his approach to obtaining various food items, ranging from fruits and vegetables to pasta and canned goods.

Remarkably, all these items are acquired from charity food banks, as depicted in the video. These food banks are typically set up by churches, trusts, or non-governmental organizations at colleges and universities. Prajapati explained his method of obtaining free food, which included visiting these charity food banks and taking advantage of the available groceries.

Despite his high-paying job as a data scientist, he claimed to save hundreds of dollars every month by utilizing these resources meant for those in genuine need. The netizens have given him the name of ‘food bandit.’

Viral Video Sparks Outrage

After Mehul Prajapati, who identified himself as a student, posted a video showcasing his method of obtaining free groceries from charity food banks, a social media user on platform X made a bold claim. They alleged that Prajapati was actually employed as a bank data scientist at TD Canada, earning a substantial salary of approximately $98,000 per year. They criticized Prajapati for proudly sharing the video while benefiting from resources meant for the economically disadvantaged. Their post implied a sense of indignation, suggesting that Prajapati’s actions demonstrated a lack of empathy or consideration for those truly in need.

“This guy has a job as a bank data scientist for @TD_Canada, a position that averages $98,000 per year, and proudly uploaded this video showing how much ‘free food’ he gets from charity food banks,” the user wrote, adding, “you don’t hate them enough.“

Predictably, the video stirred up a debate in the comments section, with many expressing surprise and disapproval at Prajapati’s behaviour. Additionally, a user disclosed that the video had also been shared on Reddit. They described Prajapati as a “coward” who had to resort to deleting his LinkedIn profile due to the backlash he faced, including spamming and contact from concerned individuals reaching out to his employer.

The Consequences Of His Actions

The revelation of Prajapati’s actions sparked outrage among the public, with many expressing shock and disapproval at his disregard for ethical boundaries. Users across social media platforms condemned his behaviour, with some even contacting his employer, TD Canada. 

The company swiftly responded, stating that Prajapati’s actions contradicted its values and culture of care. Consequently, he was terminated from his position as a data scientist at TD Bank, facing the repercussions of his actions in the public eye.

Another post by the user confirmed that Prajapati was indeed terminated from his position at TD Bank due to the video. The user presented evidence in the form of a screenshot showing an email purportedly from the bank. The email stated, “Thank you for bringing the video to our attention. The alleged actions and messages captured in the video do not align with our TD values or culture of care. I can confirm that the individual named in the video no longer works at TD.”

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Ethical Concerns 

Reactions to Prajapati’s actions were polarized, reflecting a spectrum of perspectives on immigration, entitlement, and cultural integration. While some sympathized with his situation and urged compassion in response to his job loss, others viewed his actions as a betrayal of Canadian hospitality and a rationale for stricter immigration regulations. 

The post garnered over 339,000 views, sparking diverse reactions across the platform. One commenter expressed sympathy, stating, “Ah, this is actually sad. He made a mistake but what is he going to do now that he’s jobless? Probably needs this work for immigration too. Rather shame someone than shame + unnecessary job loss.” 

Conversely, another user reacted with indignation, stating, “Canada opens its doors to them and they laugh at Canadians? It was too much to see. Justice is served.” This comment suggests that his termination from his job at TD Bank was justified as a form of justice. 

Allegations of Racial Bias

Prajapati reached out to ‘India Today’ to share his perspective following the intense backlash he faced. In his defence, Prajapati claimed that racial bias played a significant role in the vitriolic attacks against him, expressing fear for his safety and admitting to staying indoors for the past six days due to mental stress.

Prajapati said, “For the past six days, I’ve stayed indoors due to mental stress caused by hurtful comments. These accounts are spreading rumours without solid proof, targeting a specific group. It’s discrimination and racial bullying, and I’m a victim of it.“

Prajapati, who arrived in Canada in 2022 on a student visa for a master’s degree program at Wilfrid Laurier University, shed light on his employment status. He clarified that his student visa prohibited full-time employment with TD Bank and stated that his internship, part of his academic program, had concluded in December 2023. 

In his defence, Prajapati asserted that his video aimed to educate international students about university food banks, not to exploit resources. He emphasized that the resources mentioned in the video were specifically for university students, as per the college website. “The resource mentioned in the video is meant for university students specifically, not the general public. Everything I mentioned is factual, as per the website.” 

The college website read, “LSPIRG and Martin Luther University College welcome you to our Free Weekly Distro program to combat food insecurity on campus. We provide free groceries and other essentials for Laurier and Luther students who need them. Take as much as you need. We do not limit how much students take because we don’t know how much you need.”

The university, in partnership with the Laurier Students’ Public Interest Research Group (LSPIRG) and Martin Luther University College, offers complimentary groceries to students experiencing food insecurity. Prajapati had previously volunteered for the program providing free groceries and essentials for students in need, operated by LSPIRG and Martin Luther University College. “My aim was to help students, not take from others,” Prajapati told India Today.

Prajapati condemned the actions of social media users, particularly @Slatzism, whom he accused of spreading misconceptions without solid evidence. Prajapati lamented the harmful impact of hurtful comments and discriminatory targeting, describing himself as a victim of racial bullying. His ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of forming instantaneous opinions on social media without considering the full truth.

Prajapati’s experience serves as yet another cautionary tale about the negative aspects of social media, where individuals swiftly form judgments and rally against others without regard for complete information.

Sources: WION, Indian Express, India Today

Image sources: Google Images

Feature Image designed by Saudamini Seth

Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi

This post is tagged under: food, bandit, food bandit, viral video, economically challenged, food banks, viral, outrage, netizens, Reddit, Twitter, job, student, fired, Canada, TD Canada, social media, rumours, racial bias

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