In Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, a local fair meant to entertain visitors has taken an unexpected turn as young women performing as “mermaids” have approached the police station, alleging that their contractor failed to pay them for their shows. The performers claim they delivered the promised entertainment, swimming in tanks and performing aquatic stunts for the audience, but have yet to receive the agreed-upon payment.
Anjali Rai, one of the performers, shared, “We have been visiting the police station since February 9. It’s been three days, but no action has been taken. The contractor had agreed to pay us by February 9, but till now, we haven’t received a single rupee.” The performers insist that they were forced to continue the shows despite not being compensated, and they are now demanding immediate justice.
Beyond financial grievances, the mermaids have raised serious concerns about their health and safety. They revealed that the water used in the performance tanks was unhygienic and not changed regularly. Several performers fell ill due to food poisoning and prolonged exposure to unclean water. One performer added, “Our health deteriorated, yet we were only given a single day off. Meanwhile, other girls were brought in to continue the show in our place.”
The unusual complaint has drawn attention from both the local community and law enforcement. Many residents expressed shock at the unsafe working conditions faced by performers, while authorities have begun preliminary inquiries into the contractor’s practices. The incident highlights the need for proper contracts, timely payments, and strict hygiene standards at public entertainment events, especially those involving performers in vulnerable situations.
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Mermaid performers at the Aligarh fair allege non-payment and unsafe working conditions, prompting police investigation and public concern over performer rights and safety.