A disturbing incident unfolded at a Navratri Garba event near the Amba Mata Temple in Banswara, Rajasthan, on Saturday night, September 27, 2025, when a minor Muslim boy, using a fake identity, followed a 17-year-old girl into the pandal, snatched her belongings, and attempted to blackmail and pressure her to accompany him.
The incident, which sparked outrage among locals and Hindu organisations, led to the boy’s apprehension and subsequent police action after his real identity was uncovered.
Incident Details
According to reports, the incident occurred around 11:30 PM during the ongoing Navratri Garba celebrations at the Amba Mata Temple complex. The accused, a minor boy, followed a teenage girl into the Garba pandal, where she was participating in the dance.
The boy, who initially introduced himself as Aarav Trivedi, had reportedly befriended the girl during coaching classes under this false identity.
The situation escalated when the accused snatched the girl’s mobile phone, hair clip, and two-wheeler keys, pressuring her to leave with him for half an hour. When the girl resisted, he engaged in a heated altercation with her, drawing the attention of other attendees.
Locals and activists from Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, who were present at the event, grew suspicious of the boy’s behaviour and intervened, apprehending him for questioning.
Fake Identity Exposed
During initial questioning by the crowd, the boy presented an identification card claiming to be Aarav Trivedi. However, upon closer scrutiny, the ID was found to be fake, and his real identity was revealed. Reports indicate that the boy belonged to the Muslim community, which further fueled tensions at the scene. The crowd handed him over to the Rajtalab police station for further investigation.
The victim’s mother filed a formal complaint, alleging that the accused had been harassing her daughter for some time.
According to the complaint, the boy had used the pseudonym Aarav Trivedi to befriend the 17-year-old during coaching classes. He allegedly collected objectionable photos and videos, which he used to blackmail the girl, pressuring her to send more such content.
The mother’s statement highlighted that after the girl learned of his true identity and ceased communication, the accused forcibly entered the Garba pandal to confront her.
Police Response and Allegations of Leniency
Upon receiving information about the incident, police promptly arrived at the scene and took the accused into custody. A case was registered against the minor based on the victim’s mother’s complaint, and a medical examination of the girl was conducted as part of the investigation.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gopi Chand Meena confirmed that the boy had been apprehended after being caught by the girl’s family and locals. He emphasised that security arrangements at Garba pandals have been strengthened to prevent similar incidents, and swift action would be taken against any misconduct.
However, the victim’s side alleged that the police initially pressured both parties to reach a compromise instead of taking strict action against the accused. Rajtalab Station Officer Devilaal clarified that the victim’s mother was called to the station for counselling, as some individuals were instigating her. He denied allegations of leniency, stating that a formal case has been registered, and the investigation is ongoing.
Outrage from Hindu Organisations
The incident triggered a strong reaction from Hindu organisations, including VHP and Bajrang Dal, whose activists gathered at the Rajtalab police station in large numbers, demanding stringent action against the accused. The revelation that the boy had used a fake identity to approach the girl and had been blackmailing her added to the outrage.
The organisations accused the boy of targeting the girl under false pretences, citing concerns about similar incidents during religious events.
The incident has raised concerns about safety at public events like Garba pandals, which are significant cultural and religious gatherings during Navratri. The use of a fake identity and allegations of blackmail have also sparked discussions about the misuse of personal information and the vulnerability of young individuals in social settings like coaching classes.
DSP Gopi Chand Meena reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring justice, stating, “A boy followed a girl into the Garba pandal and was apprehended by her family and locals. A case has been registered based on the victim’s family’s report, and further legal proceedings are underway.”
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