An Indian woman living in Ireland, Swati Verma, has shared a shocking video showing her being verbally abused by a local woman who told her to “go back to India.”
The incident occurred outside Verma’s gym around 9 pm, where a woman wearing a Dublin City University (DCU) badge confronted her.
In the video posted on Instagram, the woman can be heard asking, “Why did you come to Ireland? Why don’t you go back to India?” before launching into an angry tirade about foreigners “paying landlords” and “giving them power.”
Verma’s calm response amid harassment
Remaining composed, Verma replied that she holds a valid work visa, pays taxes, and contributes to the Irish economy.
The woman continued her verbal attack, calling Verma’s presence in Ireland a “big mistake.” Verma said she felt “startled and scared” but managed to record the confrontation as evidence.
Social media post and police report
In her Instagram caption, Verma wrote that she never thought she’d have to “justify her existence on a street” she walks every day.
She said she reported the incident to police, explaining that while the woman “might have been mentally ill,” it reflected a deeper societal issue. “I’m sharing this not for sympathy, but because racism, intimidation and hate still walk freely on our streets,” she added.
Public outrage and messages of support
The video quickly went viral, prompting widespread condemnation online. Social media users expressed outrage over the racist behavior, calling it “disgraceful” and “heartbreaking.”
Many praised Verma for her courage and composure, emphasizing that migrants like her are “welcome in Ireland” and deserve respect and safety.
