Muslim bouncers in Hyderabad allege discrimination, denial of work at Dandiya events

A file photo of the collective of bouncers who say discrimination against Muslims is robbing them of livelihoods | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT

A collective of bouncers in Hyderabad has raised alarm over discrimination and denial of job opportunities to Muslims for the Dandiya events during Dasara Navratri. “Earlier, we used to get contracts for most of the Dandiya events across the city. This year, most of my colleagues have been told that Muslims are no longer welcome to work as bouncers. My team has 10 members and some of them are not Muslims; how will I pay them now?” asked Mohammed Feroz who is part of the 200-member collective of bouncers.

“Our work involves crowd management and safety. The only things required for this line of work is personality, good physique and experience. We don’t even enter the venue for anything or interact with the guests,” said Mr. Feroz, puzzled about the change in society.