Vadodara: Kulfi Shop Ransacked And Trader Targeted Over 21,000 Ganpati 'Chanda' Dispute (WATCH)

n a shocking incident reflecting extortion tactics in the guise of festive celebrations, a local kulfi shop in Vadodara's Chokhandi area was allegedly ransacked, and a trader was assaulted by a group of youths after a dispute escalated over a Ganesh Chaturthi festival donation demand.

In a video that went viral on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), a group of aggressive youths can be seen vandalising the establishment, hurling objects, and destroying property inside the store while confronting the terrified staff and owner. The issue stemmed from the shopkeeper's refusal to pay INR 21,000 as a donation for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

The celebration of Ganesh Utsav began in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and parts of western India, starting on September 14, and will continue for several days, with devotees organising processions, cultural programmes and community celebrations across the regions.

Also Read:Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated with fervour; Bengal pandals go political

Vadodara's Ganpati Chanda Dispute Escalates

As Ganapathi celebrations have kicked off on Monday, several groups have been collecting donations, commonly referred to as 'chanda', from local businesses and residents to fund pandals and festivities. However, the incident in Vadodara has put the spotlight on allegations of forced donations.

In CCTV footage, which spread across social media, a group of young people was seen confronting the shopkeeper at the Rajasthan Kulfi Store after he expressed his inability to pay a steep amount of money as demanded by them and instead offered a modest contribution. The refusal sparked an argument which rapidly escalated, resulting in vandalism of the property and assault on the trader.

According to local reports, the group allegedly demanded INR 21,000 from him, but when the owner offered a smaller sum of INR 1,000, citing his financial capacity, the youths turned aggressive, forcing their way into the premises and damaging equipment.

Vadodara - A dispute over Ganpati festival donations in Vadodara's Chokhandi area turned violent after a group of youths allegedly forced their way into a shop and vandalised it when the trader refused to pay a large contribution. According to the allegation, the youths went to... twitter/IbLCtrndLo

- NextMinute News (@nextminutenews7) September 14, 2026

The incident has sparked outrage among traders in Vadodara, who demanded action against the accused. The aggrieved trader filed a complaint with Wadi Police Station, and authorities have reportedly initiated a thorough investigation into the matter using the viral CCTV footage to identify and take strict legal action against the culprits.

The business owners and traders have raised concerns over extortion and the rising trend of coercive donation drives tarnishing the community spirit of public celebrations.

Social Media Users Slam 'Extortion' in the Name of Ganpati Chanda

The viral video of a group of youths aggressively demanding money from the kulfi shopkeeper and allegedly vandalising the establishment has triggered strong reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with netizens condemning the alleged forced collection of Ganpati chanda.

Taking to their X handles, many users criticised the alleged forced donation demand, with some calling the INR 21,000 collection'“extortion' and questioning the practice of pressuring traders to contribute to religious festivities. Others argued that donations should be voluntary, while condemning the alleged vandalism and calling for strict action against those involved in the incident.

While a few users questioned the practice of demanding money in the name of religious celebrations, others stressed that no one should be forced to contribute and urged authorities to take action against those allegedly involved in the incident.

Lord Ganesha is watching

-. (@yk05815) September 14, 2026

Any amount that is asked is extortion, not donation. Whether it's 1 rupee or 21,000. Let people give as per their wish this country every imposition has a f***ed up justification - language, food, & now donation.

- Chhalia Mera Naam (@ChhaliaMeraNaam) September 14, 2026

Such individuals are the representatives of the mandals which does extortion in name of religion and god

- HarChal (@harChal89) September 14, 2026

Where is God? These goons should be punished bluntly!

- Victor (@Victordesi070) September 14, 2026

21000/- is extortion not Chanda!

- Bharat Patel (@jampachakar) September 14, 2026

Everything done in the name of god is fraud in India. Let's come to reality

- De Bruyne Stan (@Sushi_Bushii) September 14, 2026

A donation means giving whatever you willingly want to give. Nobody should be forced to pay. But let's be honest, some pandal organisers collect as much money as possible in the name of donations and keep it for themselves. Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) September 14, 2026

Literally“Extortion” in name of religious festivity. Sadly, there won't be before and after video. Kumar Manish (@kumarmanish9) September 14, 2026

Govt should take strict action on this festival terrorism! ZayK | (@Bombaycircuitt) September 14, 2026

Why do people forcefully take money for Ganesha festival? Miss Funny Jain (@missFunnyChhori) September 14, 2026

₹ 21000 chanda in Rajasthan for Ganesha festival? Why should anyone donate money for ur festival?Don't you have money for ur own god's festival?Do you know, they demand ₹5000 in cities of Bengaluru Chennai Hyderabad,is it right to behave like gundas? @pranavmahajan Miss Funny Jain (@missFunnyChhori) September 14, 2026

During festive seasons like Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Utsav, the collection of money as donations for the building of pandals or organising celebrations is a common practice, with organisers often approaching local residents and businesses for voluntary contributions.

Also Read:Ganeshotsav: Chikkaballapur police gear up for 1,740 Ganapatis

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