Mumbai: A festive Navratri Dandiya celebration at Goregaon’s NESCO compound turned violent on Wednesday night (September 26) after a 19-year-old boy, Jenil Barbaya, was brutally assaulted during a clash with fellow participants.
Jenil, who sustained severe head injuries, was rushed to Tunga Hospital in Malad West and admitted to the ICU. Doctors later confirmed that he had regained consciousness and was out of danger.
According to his father, the incident began when a youth struck Jenil during the dance. On questioning, he was attacked by a group, leaving him badly injured.
A video of the brawl circulating on social media shows Jenil bleeding as chaos spread across the venue. The visuals have raised serious concerns about mismanagement, security lapses, and overcrowding at large-scale Navratri events.
Mumbai Police initially detained three youths, but they reportedly escaped from custody shortly after. An investigation is underway.
Festival-goers also alleged that organisers oversold tickets to maximise profits, leading to overcrowding and frequent clashes as groups claimed dominance over dance spaces. With singer Parthiv Gohil performing, the venue was packed beyond safe capacity, causing chaos and raising safety concerns.
Many attendees are now demanding accountability from organisers and stricter safety measures at upcoming Navratri events across Mumbai.
