On Monday, a peaceful Ganesh Chaturthi celebration in Surat turned chaotic when stones were thrown at a Ganesh pandal in the Sayedpura area, leading to six arrests. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed that six individuals were detained for their involvement in the incident, which disrupted the festivities.
The altercation began when a group of individuals reportedly pelted stones at the Ganesh pandal, leading to clashes in the area. Police quickly intervened, arresting not only the six primary suspects but also an additional 27 people who were accused of encouraging the disruption.
Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot stated, “Some children initially threw stones at the Ganesh pandal, which triggered a confrontation. We acted swiftly to remove those responsible.” The police are using CCTV footage and video evidence to identify and apprehend the remaining culprits
In response to the unrest, police deployed approximately 1,000 personnel throughout the city. Efforts to control the situation included lathi charges and the use of teargas. The police have been working diligently to restore order and ensure that the investigation proceeds effectively.
Community Reaction and Protests
The stone-pelting incident sparked protests across Surat, highlighting the community’s frustration over the disruption of a religious celebration. In contrast, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Kolkata have taken on a more somber tone. Many Ganesh pandals in Kolkata have been utilized to express outrage and seek justice for the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital on August 9. These pandals have displayed messages condemning the violence and calling for justice, reflecting the city’s broader sentiment of mourning and agitation.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the Surat incident remains active, with authorities working to ensure that all individuals involved are identified and held accountable. The situation continues to be monitored closely as the city seeks to return to a state of peace and normalcy.
Sources By Agencies
