‘Gangwars, crimes, illegal activity...’; Thiruvananthapuram DJ parties hide a dark side

Thiruvananthapuram: Behind the glitz and glamour of weekend DJ parties in Kerala’s capital lies a murky underworld of violence, gang rivalries, and illegal activity, often unfolding under the nose of the authorities, who appear reluctant to act.

What may seem like routine nightlife entertainment in star hotels across Thiruvananthapuram increasingly surpasses the plot of suspense thrillers, with late-night brawls, underworld face-offs, and backroom deals now a recurring feature. In many of these cases, hotel staff turn a blind eye, and police intervention comes only after media coverage forces action.

One such incident took place last Saturday night outside a prominent hotel on MG Road. A DJ party escalated into a violent street clash between two rival groups — one allegedly led by brothers known in the Palayam area as “irattakal”, and the other linked to a local gang based in Valiyathura. The confrontation, which spilled out from the dance floor to the main road, lasted for nearly two hours. One of the brothers reportedly has a history of criminal involvement, including under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).

The fight, which left several injured, continued even after some of them were taken to the general hospital for treatment. According to police sources, the altercation was fuelled by a previous incident at another hotel in Eanchakkal just a day earlier. Although one injured individual initially lodged a police complaint, it was later withdrawn — a pattern seen in similar cases.

Eventually, the Cantonment Police registered a case against 10 individuals identified from the scene, but only three days after the incident made headlines.

Violence becoming the norm

According to insiders, brawls, both major and minor, are commonplace at DJ parties hosted in top hotels around the city. In many cases, hotel management reportedly chooses to suppress the issue rather than alert the authorities, citing concerns over the establishment’s reputation.

Even when bouncers are present for security, they are often passive observers rather than enforcers. The standard approach appears to be resolving disputes internally, even in cases involving injuries serious enough to require hospital care.

The rise of the DJ party scene

DJ parties have become a weekend staple in Thiruvananthapuram’s nightlife, particularly in upscale hotels and pubs. Some venues host such events daily, catering to a growing crowd of partygoers with varying levels of access.

Entry passes range from ₹500 to ₹2,000, with options that include alcohol and those without. Women are often granted free entry, and discounts are offered for couples.

Legally, the sale of alcohol is permitted only until 11pm at dance events, and DJ parties are supposed to conclude by midnight. However, reports suggest that many continue well into the early hours, with alcohol being served beyond the permitted hours.

Sources indicate that such extended, loosely regulated parties have become hotspots for various kinds of dealings and behind-the-scenes negotiations, far removed from the music and dance they advertise.