Muslim traders pushed out of Hindu festival in India
Muslim vendors say they were forced out of Hindu festival in central India after extremist groups checked names, raising concerns over rising religious exclusion
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Muslim traders in central India’s Chhattisgarh state have alleged they were forced to shut down their stalls and leave a Hindu religious fair after members of a Hindutva group reportedly went from booth to booth asking vendors their names and objecting to their presence.
The incident took place in Devbaloda village in Durg district during a Mahashivratri fair, a major Hindu festival dedicated to the deity Shiva. According to community representatives, several Muslim shopkeepers had set up temporary stalls selling food, clothing and household goods after obtaining permission and paying required fees.
Traders said individuals believed to be associated with Bajrang Dal, a Hindu supremacist organization linked to the broader Hindutva movement, began questioning vendors about their identities. Some Muslim shopkeepers alleged they were accused of operating businesses under Hindu-sounding names and were told to dismantle their stalls.
“We had taken permission and paid the required fees. Suddenly, some people came and said we could not sell because we are Muslims,” one trader said, alleging that abusive language and threats were used to intimidate vendors.
A representative of the Bhilai Nagar Masjid Trust said the traders were publicly humiliated and singled out based on their names. Community leaders argue that such actions undermine constitutional guarantees of equality and freedom of trade.
On Wednesday, members of the Muslim community gathered at the Durg district administrative headquarters to submit a joint memorandum demanding that police register a complaint, and take strict legal action. Representatives from about 17 mosques endorsed the complaint.
Police spokesperson Mani Shankar Chandra confirmed receipt of the memorandum and said the matter was under examination. He stated that action would be taken if any individual is found guilty, but authorities have not confirmed whether a complaint has been filed.
The episode has also drawn responses from local Hindu residents, some of whom publicly supported the affected traders. One Hindu shopkeeper said business should not be linked to religion if vendors have complied with official rules. Another described the reported conduct as damaging to communal harmony.
Members associated with the Bhim Army, a Dalit rights organization, also called for accountability, saying targeting individuals over religious identity violates constitutional principles.
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