Surat: Bajrang Dal Protests Muslim Bouncers at OG Navratri, Raises Questions Over Religious Policing

SURAT: A private security assignment at a Navratri venue has turned into a flashpoint over religious identity, with Bajrang Dal activists protesting the presence of Muslim bouncers at the OG Navratri Garba festival at the Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre (SIECC) in Sarsana. The incident raises questions over whether security personnel should be judged by their professional duties or their religion.

Late at night, Bajrang Dal activists reached the AC Dome after learning that five to six bouncers, including a woman, reportedly belonged to the Muslim community. The security personnel had allegedly shared an Instagram video showing them on duty at the event, triggering the protest.

Activists reportedly confronted the personnel, took them into their custody and handed them over to the police, according to statements by the organisation’s leaders. Personnel from Althan police station reached the venue after the incident came to light.

‘Muslim security personnel unacceptable’

Bajrang Dal co-convener Abhishek Rajput confirmed the organisation’s involvement and said its activists acted after receiving information about the bouncers’ religious identity.

“Our activists received information that the bouncers at the Sarsana Dome belonged to another religion. They reached the venue, apprehended five or six bouncers and handed them over to the police,” Rajput said.

He further said the organisation would oppose the deployment of security agencies employing personnel from another religion for what it considers a sacred Hindu festival.

The demand places the spotlight on the role of private security agencies and the criteria used to deploy personnel at public events.

Police meeting under scrutiny

According to Rajput, Althan police have initiated proceedings and called a meeting with Bajrang Dal representatives to discuss the dispute.

The organisation plans to demand the immediate replacement of the security agency and strict action against those responsible.

However, the allegations and demands made by the organisation do not establish any wrongdoing by the bouncers. Their religious identity alone is not evidence of a security breach. The police’s account of the incident, the legal basis for any detention and the organisers’ response remain crucial to establishing the full facts.

The episode has put the spotlight on the tension between religious mobilisation and the principle that professional responsibilities should be assessed on conduct rather than faith.