A major controversy has erupted at Viva College in Virar West, about 86 km from Mumbai, following serious allegations during one of the Vasai-Virar region’s largest Garba festivals. The popular Navaratri event, known for attracting thousands of attendees, including students and outsiders with paid passes, has come under intense scrutiny after a troubling incident involving a Class 12 student.
The controversy broke out during Friday’s Garba celebrations when event organisers reportedly caught the student recording videos of female participants without consent. Upon examining his phone, they allegedly discovered numerous videos of girls, along with explicit chats and messages suggesting an intent to lure Hindu girls into relationships with the aim of exploiting them.
Some of the leaked conversations contained highly disturbing language, including one message calling for no Hindu girl to be “left untouched” inside the Garba premises. The allegations have sparked outrage among local communities, prompting demands for a thorough investigation.
College authorities and event organisers promptly filed a complaint at the Bolinj police station following the incident. The student was quickly identified and handed over to law enforcement, though an FIR was officially registered only three days later, on Monday. During the investigation, police reportedly found that the minor had been using a specific mobile application to coordinate with others in targeting Hindu girls, a revelation that has raised serious concerns, especially as similar patterns have been observed in cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
The case has ignited widespread tension across the Vasai-Virar region, where political and community groups are already on high alert. Several organisations have renewed calls to restrict the entry of Muslim boys into Garba venues, citing security and cultural concerns. The situation has been further inflamed by recent incidents such as the appearance of “I Love Mohammad” posters at festival locations, actions critics argue are deliberate provocations aimed at disturbing communal harmony.
The incident at Viva College has since become a major flashpoint, sparking polarising debates across Maharashtra. Speaking on behalf of the college, Professor Deepa Verma emphasised that Viva College is strictly an educational institution with no political affiliations. She clarified that the student had enrolled only a few months ago and assured the public that the college would take strict disciplinary measures, pending the outcome of the police investigation.
Meanwhile, several Hindu groups have stepped up their demands for a deeper probe into what they describe as a “deliberate and organised attempt at love jihad,” warning that such cases must not be ignored.
