Muslim Bouncers Allege Discrimination In Hiring For Dandiya Events
Muslim bouncers in Hyderabad allege they are being denied work at Dandiya events because of their religion, raising concerns over employment discrimination.
Muslim bouncers and bodyguards have alleged religious discrimination in hiring for Dandiya events being organised during the forthcoming Naavratri season, claiming that some organisers were refusing to employ them solely because of their names and faith.
Members of a 200-member collective of bouncers said they were previously hired for several Dandiya events across the city, but this year some organisers have allegedly made it clear that they did not want Muslim bouncers.
Speaking with Deccan Chronicle, the bouncers said the development had affected their livelihoods as bookings for Navaratri events were usually made weeks in advance.
Pathan, a bouncer and bodybuilder, said: “Organisers get in touch with gyms and bouncer groups. When someone mentions a Muslim name, they are immediately asking for someone else. Our religion has nothing to do with our ability to manage crowds or protect people.”
“We either stay at the entry and exit points, or we stay near the stage. We have a professional responsibility of not interfering with the crowd unless and until there is a disturbance and we’re asked to do so. Bringing our faith into our occupation is a sheer discrimination of our religion and our profession”, he added.
Mohammed Feroz, part of a bouncers’ collective, said many of his colleagues had been told that Muslims were no longer welcome as bouncers at Dandiya events. They appealed to the state government and police to intervene and ensure that religious discrimination does not affect employment opportunities.