The incident in Devbaloda of Durg District sparks anger; police say investigation is underway
NEW DELHI/RAIPUR — Tension gripped Devbaloda in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district after Muslim shopkeepers were allegedly forced to shut their stalls and leave a Mahashivratri fair when some Hindutva elements went around asking traders their names and objecting to their presence.
The incident has drawn strong protests from the Muslim community, which has demanded strict action against those involved. Significantly, several local Hindu residents have also come out in support of the affected traders, calling the incident harmful to communal harmony.
According to community representatives, a number of Muslim traders had set up stalls at the fair in Devbaloda, selling food items, clothes, utensils and other goods.
During the fair, some members said to be associated with Bajrang Dal allegedly moved from stall to stall asking shopkeepers their names. They accused certain Muslim traders of using Hindu-sounding names for their businesses.
Traders claim they were then asked to remove their stalls and leave the fair. Some have alleged that they were publicly abused and threatened.
A representative of the Bhilai Nagar Masjid Trust said, “Our people were humiliated in front of everyone. They were asked their names as if that alone decided whether they could do business. This is not acceptable in a democratic country.”
Another trader who was present at the fair said, “We had taken permission and paid the required fees. Suddenly, some people came and said we could not sell because we are Muslims. They used foul language and created fear.”
It is also alleged that Hindu traders who were in business partnership with Muslims were pressured and asked to shut down their stalls.
On Wednesday, members of the Muslim community gathered at the Durg Collectorate to lodge a formal complaint. Under the banner of the Bhilai Nagar Masjid Trust, representatives from around 17 mosques submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Collector.
In the memorandum, they demanded that an FIR be registered and strict legal action be taken against those responsible.
A community leader said, “Some people are trying to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the area. Chhattisgarh has always been known for brotherhood. We do not want outsiders or extremist elements to spoil that.”
He added, “Who gave any organisation the authority to check names at a public fair? Is that the job of private groups or of the police and administration?”
In a notable development, some local Hindu residents have spoken out in support of the Muslim traders.
One Hindu shopkeeper said, “Business has nothing to do with religion. If someone has followed the rules and paid the fee, they have every right to be here. What happened is wrong.”
Another resident described the alleged behaviour of the group as “an attempt to defame Hinduism”.
Members associated with the Bhim Army also demanded action against those involved. A local activist said, “Targeting people because of their religion is illegal and against the Constitution. The administration must act firmly.”
Police spokesperson Mani Shankar Chandra confirmed that a joint memorandum had been submitted by members of the Bhilai-Durg Muslim community.
He said, “We have received the memorandum regarding the incident during the Mahashivratri fair. The matter is being examined. If any individual is found guilty, action will be taken as per the law.”
Police have not yet confirmed whether an FIR has been registered.
The incident has raised broader concerns about the safety and equal rights of Muslim traders at public events. Community leaders say that asking individuals their names and targeting them based on religious identity goes against the spirit of the Constitution.
A senior member of the Muslim community said, “We are citizens of this country. We pay taxes and follow the law. If we are denied the right to earn our livelihood because of our names, it is a serious issue.”
Observers note that while the administration’s investigation is ongoing, the support extended by sections of the Hindu community has helped reduce immediate tension in the area.
For many residents, the issue is not only about one fair but about ensuring that public spaces remain open to all, regardless of faith.
As one resident put it, “If we allow people to be pushed out because of their religion, tomorrow it could happen to anyone.”
The police investigation continues, and community leaders say they will monitor the situation closely to ensure accountability and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
