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A dispute arose on Tuesday night at the Lotus Ground Garba event after members of a Hindu organisation allegedly confronted individuals from the Muslim community who had come to participate and watch, claiming their entry was not permitted.
During the incident, an Aadhaar card belonging to a youth named Iqbal was reportedly recovered, and a video showing the card being displayed circulated on social media. The individuals were allegedly manhandled and asked to leave the venue.
Police were called to the spot and subsequently detained those involved in the disturbance. A senior officer from Bhayandar Police Station said, “We have detained those who were creating a ruckus at the venue. So far, we have not found that the people from the Muslim community, who were taken out by Bajrang Dal members, came with any wrong intention. Some were auto drivers who had come to drop off passengers, and others had come with friends to play Garba but were not allowed. No FIR has been registered yet, and the inquiry is still ongoing.”
The officer further added, “The Garba is organised by the East West Foundation, and they have the authority to decide whom to allow and whom not to; the police have no role in that.”
Following the disagreement, security has been stepped up in Bhayandar, with additional forces deployed in sensitive areas to avoid further disturbances. Police have also launched an inquiry to verify the claims, identify those involved, and maintain peace during the festive season.
