Jabalpur Garba Event Controversy: VHP, Bajrang Dal Workers Clash With Organisers Over Playlist & Entry To Non-Hindus; Several Injured

A dispute erupted at a Garba event in Jabalpur between event organisers and members of Hindu groups, over concerns regarding the song playlist and the admission of non-Hindus. The tension escalated into a physical confrontation, causing injuries to several individuals, including a police officer. The clash occurred at the Jasuja City event in Jabali Palace, Dhanwantri Nagar, under the jurisdiction of the Sanjeevani Nagar police station.

The Hindu organisations, specifically the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, arrived at the venue to address their concerns. Allegedly, women associated with the VHP's Durga Vahini wing were assaulted during the altercation. Four to five Hindu group members, including women from Bajrang Dal, sustained injuries.

The Hindu organisations claimed that objectionable songs were played and non-Hindus were allowed entry. They visited the event to inspect, but were blocked by bouncers at the entry gate. This led to a physical altercation, with a significant number of Hindu organisation members gathering, blocking the road and causing traffic disruption.

Upon receiving information, police officers and a large number of reinforcements arrived at the scene. The protestors were eventually persuaded to clear the road and restore traffic. The Jabalpur District Bar Association supported the Garba organising committee, alleging that Hindu organisation members had disrupted the event, damaged property, and assaulted police personnel.

The organising committee, however, contended that women from the Hindu organisations had arrived with knives. The police, citing footage from over a dozen CCTV cameras and eyewitness mobile phone videos, are investigating the sequence of events. They have registered cases based on complaints from both sides, and Rapid Action Force (RAF) and district police personnel are deployed to maintain law and order.