RAIPUR: A garba event organised at the Civil Lines hockey ground in Durg turned tense on Wednesday night after Bajrang Dal and VHP workers objected to the alleged presence of Muslim youths at the venue, leading to a scuffle on stage in which Congress city district president and former mayor Dheeraj Bakliwal was shoved.Videos of the incident, showing arguments, pushing and a brief melee, later circulated on social media.The dispute had reportedly begun after an NSUI office-bearer, Adil Khan, shared a promotional poster for the event on social media, mentioning free entry passes.On Wednesday night, members of right wing outfits reached the venue and went up to the stage. One of the organisers’ opponents addressed the gathering and objected to the entry of Muslims into the garba venue.They were asked not to disrupt the programme.The exchange escalated and several people began pushing each other. In one of the videos, a man is seen shoving Bakliwal before others at the venue intervene.Bakliwal later said the event was free and open to anyone who came with faith and respect for the festival, and accused some people of deliberately disrupting it.VHP functionary Ramlochan Tiwari, however, said the organisation opposed the participation of Muslim youths in garba and demanded tighter entry checks.

Police have registered a case on the complaint of the organising committee and are examining CCTV footage to identify those involved.The case has been registered under BNS provisions relating to voluntarily causing hurt, rioting and use of obscene words or acts in a public place.ASP Manishankar Chandra told reporters that a dispute had occurred during the Garba programme and further action would follow after examination of video and CCTV footage.

Hindu organisations have meanwhile threatened further protest if police do not act on their complaint as well.