Bahrain: More than 20 people were injured when angry spectators went on a rampage during a concert at the Indian Club. 

Chairs were thrown during the event and other property was damaged by the Bangladeshi mob, who were upset after learning that a popular artist, Shakeeb Khan, was not performing.

The Bangladeshi music night was held on Wednesday featuring different artists as part of National Day activities.

A witness said the crowd became angry when it was announced that Mr Khan would not perform.

“They started to throw chairs and tables and everyone started to run outside,” said the witness, who is a club member.

“They damaged the window panes, reception area and tore posters
outside the club.”

People were injured and some were taken by ambulance to Salmaniya Medical Complex for treatment. 

“We treated around 24 people with minor injuries,” said a hospital source.

Club president Anand Lobo told the GDN a complaint had been filed against the event organiser for failing to honour his commitments.

“We had rented the club’s ground to the organiser for a Bangladeshi musical night as part of National Day activities,” said Mr Lobo.

“The crowd went wild after an artist failed to turn up.

“I called the police and we have filed a complaint against the
organiser.”

Bangladeshi Mohammed Nannu, who works for the company that organised the event, said he was awaiting a list of the damage from the club, which he said could cost more than BD3,000.

“Everything was going smoothly and the audience was having a good time,” he said. 

“When it was announced that Shakeeb Khan would not perform, the crowd became violent and started to throw chairs and tables.”

Mr Nannu claimed rogue members of the crowd took advantage of the situation and started to vandalise
the club.

“I will receive a list from the club and will pay for the damage,”
he said. 

“This is not our fault because we received Mr Khan’s visa at the
eleventh hour.”

A video that went viral of the incident showed damaged chairs, tables and other items inside the club as a large group gathered outside.

 sandy@gdn.com.bh