In a series of troubling incidents during the Navratri festivities, two Muslim men were apprehended while attempting to enter Garba pandals in Ujjain and Indore, using false Hindu identities. These events have raised significant concerns among local Hindu organisations regarding rising “love jihad” practices targeting young women during the celebrations.
Incident 1: Allegations of Love Jihad at TGL Garba in Ujjain
On October 8, at the TGL Garba event held in the Labh Ganga premises, members of the Hindu Jagran Manch took action against suspicious individuals present at the event. One of the apprehended suspects was a young man from Dewas who initially introduced himself as “Pankaj.” However, upon closer scrutiny and questioning by Hindu activists, he revealed his true identity as Wasim Nagauri.
The situation escalated when Wasim was found to be recording videos of girls participating in the Garba. Eyewitnesses reported that he was making inappropriate advances toward the women present.
Upon investigation, police discovered incriminating evidence on his mobile phone, including photographs and videos of several girls from the Garba events. Further probing revealed that he had been engaged in explicit chats with multiple women and was blackmailing one victim, threatening to release a pornographic video if she did not comply with his demands for a physical relationship. The Hindu Jagran Manch demanded stringent legal action against him, leading to his formal arrest by the Lasudiya police.
Incident 2: Suspicious behaviour at Garba in Ujjain
In a separate yet similar incident, another Muslim youth was caught posing as a Hindu during a Garba event at Dalda Maidan Pandiya Khedi in Ujjain. The suspect, who initially introduced himself as “Rahul,” was found with objectionable items, including a packet of condoms, in his possession.
The incident occurred on the seventh day of Navratri when Hindu activists conducted thorough checks at the entry gate of the event. After much persuasion, the suspect revealed his Aadhaar card, which displayed his real name, Firoz. Activists quickly apprehended him and took him to the police station for further investigation.
The Hindu outfits condemned the incident. “Navratri is a sacred festival for Hindus, and Garba is a form of worship. Securing entry fraudulently and bringing condoms to the pandal shows such people’s intention. Strict action should be taken against the accused.”
Response and Police action
Bajrang Dal activists have been particularly vigilant during the Navratri festivities, actively monitoring Garba events. In previous instances, they raised alarms about the presence of individuals they suspected of engaging in “love jihad” tactics. According to local Vishwa Hindu Parishad activist Rajesh Binjve, Bajrang Dal officials filed a memorandum with the Bhanwarkuan police on October 3rd, expressing their concerns about a man named Feroz Khan being part of the organising committee for a Garba event in Indore. They alleged that the event was intended to promote “love jihad” and spread vulgarity.
The police responded by cancelling the scheduled 10-day Garba program in Indore, highlighting the serious implications of the allegations. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotia confirmed the receipt of the memorandum and assured that police action would be taken as necessary.
T.I. Taresh Soni indicated that the police were gathering information on potential victims associated with the apprehended youth and vowed to take strict action upon receiving formal complaints. In a related incident in Indore, Bajrang Dal members apprehended another Muslim youth, Aagam Pathan, at a Garba event held at the Gujarati College Ground. He, too, was suspected of using a false Hindu identity.
These back-to-back incidents have ignited discussions around safety and vigilance during Hindu festivities, with local Hindu organisations calling for increased awareness and preventative measures. As investigations continue, community leaders are urging vigilance to prevent any potential threats to the integrity of the celebrations.
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