Even before the beginning of Sharadiya Navratri in Indore city, the controversy in Garba Pandals has escalated. Hindu organisations have raised objections in two major Garba Pandals of the city due to Love Jihad and the attire of the murti of Ma in burqa. In both these cases, Hindu organisations have demanded action from the police administration.
Allegation of burqa-like clothes on the murti of Ma
Hindu organisations in Indore’s Khajrana area expressed outrage when they saw that a sculptor had dressed the murti of Ma in burqa-like clothes. Considering it an insult to religion, the Hindu organisations reached Khajrana police station and demanded strict action against the sculptor.
Hindu organisation leader Lucky Raghuvanshi and his companions met the police regarding this issue and lodged a complaint against the Bengali artisan who made the murti. Khajrana police station TI Manoj Sendhav said that the murti was being made by Lucky Chauhan, a resident of Malviya Nagar, and the police interrogated both of them. The police have assured that action will be taken on the complaint of Hindu organisations.
Love Jihad allegations
A controversy also erupted over a Garba event scheduled to be held in Indore’s Bhanwarkuan area, where Bajrang Dal alleged promotion of love jihad. Bajrang Dal activists informed the police that some members of the organising committee aimed to promote love jihad under the guise of religious unity. Following the incident, the police immediately cancelled the event and removed tents and posters from the venue.
Ram Dangi and other Bajrang Dal activists told the police that the event was being led by a man named Feroz Khan, who has been organising the event in Bhavana Nagar for the past several years under the name of Shikhar Garba Mandal. Dangi questioned how people who do not believe in murti worship can organise a religious ritual like Garba. The Bajrang Dal had already warned the police about such events on September 24, and the police cancelled the event late at night to avoid controversy.
Police action
After both the incidents, Hindu organisations have demanded strict action from the police administration. In both Khajrana and Bhanwarkuan cases, the police have assured action.
