Hyderabad, 16 October
Right-Wing Activists Target People They Claim Are ‘Non-Hindus’ at Begumpet Dandiya Event
Tension was reported at a dandiya event held at the Hockey Grounds in Begumpet on Thursday night, October 15, after members of right-wing groups objected to the presence of people they claimed were “non-Hindus.”
Activists associated with the Bajrang Dal, Hindu Vahini and other outfits claimed they had handed over around 20 people attending the Navratri event to the Begumpet Police. The activists also confronted police personnel at the venue, questioning how the attendees had been allowed inside.
The groups raised slogans, including “Desh ke samman mein Bajrang Dal maidan mein” and “Jai Shri Ram,” during the incident.
Police Describe Incident as ‘Petty’
The Begumpet Police played down the incident. Speaking to Siasat.com, a police official described it as a “petty incident.”
The official said those who had been caught were counselled and subsequently released. However, it remained unclear what the attendees had allegedly done beyond being present at the event.
There was also no information about whether the police intended to take action against the activists involved in the confrontation.
No General Ban on Attendance Based on Religion
Public discussions around entry restrictions at dandiya and garba events have previously raised questions about religious discrimination and access to public entertainment.
Article 15(2) of the Indian Constitution prohibits certain forms of discrimination, including restrictions on citizens’ access to shops, public restaurants, hotels and places of public entertainment on specified grounds, including religion. The precise legal application depends on the circumstances and nature of the venue.
Previous Incidents at Begumpet and Other Venues
The Begumpet venue has witnessed similar controversy in the past. In October 2023, Bajrang Dal members reportedly created a disturbance at the Begumpet Hockey Stadium, alleging that a Muslim man had entered a garba event to engage in what they described as “love jihad.” The event organisers rejected the allegation.
Ahead of Navratri in 2024, Telangana Bajrang Dal convener Siva Ramulu called for non-Hindus to be barred from dandiya venues and warned organisers against employing non-Hindu bouncers.
That year, Bajrang Sena also sought police action against the organisers of an event at SS Convention, alleging that non-Hindus had been allowed to attend. The organisers responded that the men in question were part of their management team.
In 2019, the Bajrang Dal reportedly urged event organisers in Hyderabad to make Aadhaar cards mandatory at entry points, claiming the measure would help identify non-Hindus. The organisation also warned that its workers would be present at venues to take action.
Questions Remain Over the Latest Incident
The latest incident has again drawn attention to demands for religious restrictions at cultural events during Navratri. Based on the information reported so far, it remains unclear what conduct, if any, prompted the detention or counselling of the attendees.
The police have described the episode as minor, while no details have been provided about possible action against those who confronted police personnel at the venue.
This report is based on information attributed and the details provided. Further official clarification may be required.