Anti-Muslim play staged at ‘Virat Hindu Sammelan’ portrays Muslims as villains and interfaith marriage presented as conspiracy
NEW DELHI/DEHRADUN – A controversial stage performance presented during a recent public event here has sparked widespread criticism after it portrayed Muslims as villains and interfaith marriage as a dangerous conspiracy.
The play was staged during a programme titled “Virat Hindu Sammelan” held on 22 February on Sahastradhara Road in the Karanpur area of Dehradun, the capital of the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.
Video clips of the performance were circulated widely on social media soon after the event. Many viewers described the play as an attempt to spread hatred against Muslims and to create suspicion about relationships between people of different faiths.
Several rights advocates and community voices said the incident raises serious concerns about the use of public gatherings and cultural performances to spread narratives that target minority communities.
According to information shared by local sources and social media users who attended the gathering, the programme was organised by Hindutva groups under the banner of the “Virat Hindu Sammelan”.
The event included speeches by leaders associated with organisations such as VHP-Bajrang Dal, including activist Vikas Verma.
However, the theatrical performance became the most widely discussed element of the gathering after videos began circulating online.
A resident who watched the video said, “The play clearly shows Muslims negatively and tries to create fear about them. That is why people are reacting strongly.”
The storyline of the play focused on the controversial claim often described by some groups as “love jihad”, a theory that alleges Muslim men deliberately target Hindu women for marriage.
In the stage performance, a Muslim youth is shown hiding his religious identity while forming a romantic relationship with a Hindu girl.
The story shows the young man later convincing the girl to marry him, with the relationship presented as part of a deceptive plan.
Critics say this portrayal reinforces a conspiracy theory that has repeatedly been questioned by investigators and government officials.
In one scene from the play, the Muslim youth’s father praises his son for marrying the Hindu girl.
According to dialogue in the performance, the father tells him that the marriage would bring financial benefits, mentioning an amount of “five lakh rupees”, and encourages him to continue exploiting the situation.
Many viewers said such scenes misrepresent Muslim family life and Islamic teachings.
A member of the Muslim community in Dehradun said, “Islam strictly forbids dowry and exploitation in marriage. Showing Muslim families discussing money like this is completely false and insulting.”
Another resident said, “The script tries to show Muslims as greedy and dishonest people. It spreads misunderstanding about our faith.”
The play also included scenes showing the Muslim family assaulting the woman and threatening extreme violence.
In the storyline, the woman is shown being threatened with being cut into pieces. The performance ends with the woman killing her Muslim husband.
During the final scene, the woman is portrayed as drawing inspiration from characters in Hindu mythology and historical narratives, presenting her action as heroic.
Critics said this ending appears to frame Muslims as dangerous enemies and portrays violence as justified.
One viewer wrote on social media, “Drama should promote understanding, but this play spreads fear and hatred between communities.”
Community members said the play also presented Islamic traditions inaccurately.
Islamic teachings forbid the practice of dowry, and scholars say that marriage in Islam involves responsibilities and conditions.
Some critics also said the play referred to multiple marriages without explaining the strict conditions required under Islamic law.
A local teacher in Dehradun said, “These scenes misrepresent Islam. Many people who watch such plays may think they are true, but they are not.”
The narrative presented in the play contrasts with official statements made by the Indian government.
On 4 February 2020, the Union government informed Parliament that the term “love jihad” has no legal definition. Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy told the Rajya Sabha that no central agency had found evidence supporting claims of a systematic conspiracy.
Investigations conducted earlier by the Kerala Police also concluded that allegations of organised “love jihad” were not supported by evidence.
A social activist commenting on the incident said, “When government investigations say there is no such organised conspiracy, presenting it as fact in public performances becomes dangerous.”
The video of the performance spread widely across social media platforms, drawing strong reactions from users and organisations monitoring hate speech.
Observers say similar theatrical performances have appeared at other gatherings in recent weeks.
Reports mention a programme in Gujarat on the same day, 22 February 2026, where a play showed burqa-clad figures in a terror-style scenario.
Another event reportedly took place in Dehradun on 27 February, where children were said to have performed a play based on the same “love jihad” narrative.
Critics say the repetition of such themes at public gatherings could deepen divisions between communities.
A university student in Uttarakhand said, “When children are asked to perform such roles, it teaches them to see another community as an enemy.”
Uttarakhand is known around the world for its snow-covered mountains, forests, lakes and religious sites. However, some Muslim residents say the atmosphere in parts of the state has changed in recent years.
They say Muslims are sometimes accused of activities labelled “land jihad”, “spit jihad”, “gym jihad” and “love jihad” by certain organisations.
A shopkeeper in Dehradun said, “Many Muslims feel they are being targeted because of their identity. We simply want to live peacefully with everyone.”
Another resident added, “These accusations create suspicion and fear among ordinary people.”
As of Thursday, no major public condemnation or official action from Uttarakhand authorities or the state government has been reported regarding the controversial play.
Observers say similar “Virat Hindu Sammelan” events have been organised in several states, often featuring speeches and performances focusing on religious identity.
For many residents and activists, the Dehradun incident has become part of a wider discussion about the importance of protecting communal harmony.
A local journalist said, “Uttarakhand is famous for its peaceful environment and natural beauty. People are now asking whether such programmes damage that spirit.”
Civil society voices have urged organisers of public events to avoid performances that could inflame religious tensions.
One Dehradun resident said, “India has many religions and communities. Cultural programmes should bring people together, not spread hostility.”
Another community member added, “The strength of the country lies in its diversity. Portraying one community as a villain harms that idea.”
As the video continues to circulate online, the debate around the Dehradun play shows how cultural performances can quickly become part of a larger national conversation about identity, tolerance and coexistence.
